Course: Introduction
The Congress of the United States is the legislative branch of the United States government, composed of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
The Congress of the United States is the legislative branch of the federal government, responsible for making the statutory laws that govern the country. The Congress is composed of two separate bodies: the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
The House of Representatives is the larger of the two bodies, with 435 voting members who are elected to two-year terms. The number of representatives from each state is determined by its population, with each state receiving at least one representative. The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer, responsible for directing the House’s business and overseeing its operations.
The Senate, on the other hand, is the smaller of the two bodies, with 100 voting members who are elected to six-year terms. Each state is represented by two senators, regardless of its population. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate and presides over its proceedings but can only vote in the case of a tie.
Together, the House of Representatives and the Senate make up Congress, with each body having its own unique powers and responsibilities. For example, all bills that involve taxes or spending must originate in the House of Representatives, while the Senate has the power to approve or reject presidential appointments and treaties.
In order for a bill to become law, it must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then signed into law by the President of the United States. This process can sometimes be lengthy and contentious, as members of Congress may have different opinions and priorities when it comes to particular issues.
Despite these challenges, Congress plays a critical role in the functioning of the United States government. Its ability to make laws and oversee the actions of the executive branch helps to ensure that the government operates in the best interests of the American people. While the work of Congress can be complex and challenging, it is also essential to the health and stability of the country as a whole.
Visit the Congressional Website
Learn More
On This Site
On Other Sites
-
-
- The White House. The Legislative Branch.
- U.S. House of Representatives. The Legislative Process.
-
[ Glossary ]
Last Modified: 04/05/2023