Congress
The legislative branch writes federal law, controls spending, investigates public problems, and represents the people and the states through two chambers.
“In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates.”
Two chambers, one Congress
The House and Senate must usually agree on the same bill before it can become law. Their different designs shape how they work.
The House
The House represents people by district. Members serve two-year terms, all seats are on the ballot every cycle, and the chamber starts revenue bills and impeachment proceedings.
The Senate
The Senate represents states equally. Each state has two senators, senators serve six-year staggered terms, and the chamber confirms nominees, ratifies treaties, and conducts impeachment trials.
Member directory
Use the member directory to move from a state to its two senators and House district members. Profile cards connect visitors to contact details, recent votes, sponsored bills, cosponsored bills, and official source links.
Members by state
Choose a state to see its two senators and House district members. Profile cards link to contact details, recent votes, sponsored bills, cosponsored bills, and official source links.
How a bill becomes law
An idea must move through committees, floor votes, both chambers, and presidential action.
Idea
A member introduces a bill.
Committee
A committee studies, revises, or stops it.
Chamber vote
The House or Senate debates and votes.
Other chamber
The second chamber acts on the same text.
President
The President signs, vetoes, or lets it become law.
Congressional committees
Committees handle detailed work: hearings, investigations, witness testimony, amendments, and reports.
Standing committees
Permanent policy areas
These committees handle recurring subjects such as taxes, defense, agriculture, energy, transportation, and the judiciary.
Hearings
Evidence and oversight
Members question witnesses, request documents, and create public records that shape policy debates.
Markup
Revision and reporting
Committees debate changes, vote on amendments, and decide whether a bill should move forward.
House and Senate differences
The columns line up so visitors can compare the two chambers quickly.
| Feature | House | Senate |
|---|---|---|
| Members | 435 voting members | 100 senators |
| Representation | Population-based districts | Two senators per state |
| Term length | Two years | Six years |
| Special powers | Revenue bills and impeachment | Confirmations, treaties, and impeachment trials |
| Debate style | More rules and time limits | More open-ended debate |
Find and follow Congress
Use local guide pages to move from structure to people, bills, and records.
Quick Link Guide
One-click access to other sections of the government education guide.
Guide To Government
Start with branches, powers, checks, records, and practical resources.
Congress
Lawmaking, representation, committees, and oversight.
Executive Branch
Presidency, agencies, and presidential actions.
Judicial Branch
Courts, cases, and court resources.
Federal Budget
Revenue, spending, deficits, debt, and shutdowns.
Elections
Voting, participation, and official election resources.
Government Resources
Official public service and self-help resources.
Glossary
Definitions, tooltips, and related pages.