Congressional Branch
Learn how Congress represents people and states, makes federal law, controls public spending, and holds government accountable.
Congress is the branch created by Article I of the Constitution. Its House and Senate work separately by design, then normally must agree before legislation reaches the President. Explore the chambers, the powers they share, and the practical records that show Congress at work.
In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates.
James Madison
Explore the Congressional Branch
Congress
- How Congress WorksA two-chamber legislature with separate roles and shared lawmaking authority.
- House and SenateHow representation, terms, and special powers differ between the chambers.
- RepresentationDistricts, states, elections, and the constituent connection.
- Why Two Chambers?Why the Constitution divided legislative power between the House and Senate.
Congressional Work
- CommitteesWhere members hold hearings, investigate, revise bills, and develop policy.
- Rules and ProcedureHow debate, amendments, calendars, and votes shape congressional action.
- Bills and VotesFollow proposals, sponsors, actions, and recorded votes.
- LeadershipHow each chamber organizes its agenda, floor strategy, and internal work.
Congressional Power
- Powers of CongressArticle I authority to legislate, tax, spend, regulate, and more.
- Taxing and SpendingHow Congress raises revenue and decides what the federal government funds.
- Oversight and InvestigationsHearings, reports, subpoenas, and scrutiny of executive action.
- Advice and ConsentConfirmation, treaty, removal, and accountability responsibilities.
Follow Congress
- Find Your MembersLocate your senators and representative and learn how they serve you.
- Track LegislationSee what Congress is considering and where a bill stands.
- Committees and HearingsExplore committee jurisdictions, members, hearings, and public records.
- Contact CongressFind practical ways to communicate with your elected representatives.
Two Chambers, One Congress
The Constitution vests legislative power in a Congress composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each chamber represents the country differently, and both normally must pass the same text before legislation goes to the President.
The chamber closest to the people.
The House is designed for direct, population-based representation. Members serve short two-year terms, and all revenue bills begin here.
Equal representation for every state.
Every state has two senators, regardless of population, elected statewide rather than by district. The Senate also confirms nominees and considers treaties.
Congressional Powers
Congress exercises powers that affect federal law, public money, national priorities, and accountability. Its authority is substantial but shared with the President, the courts, the states, and the public.
Tax and Spend
Congress raises revenue and determines how federal money is appropriated.
Power of the Purse
Oversee Government
Committees hear testimony, seek records, investigate, and review implementation.
Accountability
Confirm Nominees
The Senate considers many presidential nominations and treaty commitments.
Advice and Consent
Impeach and Remove
The House may impeach; the Senate holds trials and may remove officials.
Constitutional Check
Override a Veto
Congress can enact a vetoed bill with two-thirds support in both chambers.
Shared Powers
Congress in Action
Most congressional work happens through committees, constituent representation, internal rules, leadership, and public votes. These pathways connect the Constitution’s broad design to the work people can actually follow.
Committees
Committees specialize in policy areas, hold hearings, conduct investigations, revise bills, and decide what reaches the full House or Senate.
Representation
Your representative serves your congressional district; your senators serve your state. Each office connects constituents to the federal government.
Procedure and Voting
Rules, debate, amendments, calendars, and recorded votes determine whether a proposal advances and how members are held accountable.
The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.
Thomas Jefferson
Checks on Congress
Congress writes statutes and controls appropriations, but it is not unlimited. The President may veto bills, courts can review laws, and voters regularly decide who represents them.
Follow Congress
Use current records, detailed guides, and public tools to follow legislation, see how your members vote, locate hearings, and make your voice part of the process.
