The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States and is a bicameral institution, consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together, they form the U.S. Congress, responsible for making and passing federal laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the American people.
Senate:Members: The Senate is composed of 100 senators, two from each of the 50 states. Senators serve six-year terms, and one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years.
Functions: The Senate plays a crucial role in confirming presidential nominations for federal judges, ambassadors, and other key positions. It also approves treaties negotiated by the President. The Senate, along with the House of Representatives, must pass a bill for it to become law.
House of Representatives:Members: The House of Representatives, often referred to as the House, is made up of 435 members. The number of representatives from each state is based on its population. Members serve two-year terms.
Functions: The House is responsible for originating revenue bills, and like the Senate, it plays a role in the legislative process, including debating and voting on proposed laws. The Speaker of the House, elected by House members, presides over its sessions.
Functions of Congress:Legislation: One of the primary functions of Congress is to make laws. Proposed laws, known as bills, can be introduced in either the House or the Senate. Both chambers must pass the same version of a bill for it to become law.
Oversight: Congress oversees the executive branch, ensuring that laws are faithfully executed. This includes conducting investigations, holding hearings, and requesting information from government agencies.
Representing the People: Members of Congress represent the interests and concerns of their constituents. They do this through constituent services, holding town hall meetings, and participating in debates and discussions on the House and Senate floors.
Committees:Both the House and the Senate have committees that focus on specific policy areas. These committees conduct hearings, review proposed legislation, and play a crucial role in shaping the laws that Congress passes.
Elections:Members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years, with elections for the entire House occurring every even-numbered year. Senators are elected for six-year terms, with one-third of the Senate up for election every two years. The timing of Senate elections is staggered to ensure continuity.
Leadership:The leaders of each chamber play significant roles. In the Senate, the Vice President serves as the President of the Senate, but they only vote in the case of a tie. The Senate also has a President pro tempore elected by its members. In the House, the Speaker of the House is the presiding officer and is elected by House members.
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., serves as the meeting place for Congress. The legislative process involves collaboration between the two houses, and for a bill to become law, it must be approved by both the House and the Senate and signed by the President. This system of checks and balances is designed to ensure a thoughtful and deliberative approach to legislation.