United States Congress Parliament

What is Congress?

The U.S. Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States, meaning it has the primary role of making laws.
It is bicameral, meaning it consists of two separate chambers:

• The United States House of Representatives (often called the House)
• The United States Senate (the Senate) W
  This two-chamber structure was established by the U.S. Constitution under Article I.

2. Why two chambers? The “Great Compromise”

The reason for having two chambers is rooted in how the U.S. founders balanced representation:

• The House would represent the people proportionally (by population).
• The Senate gives each state equal representation (two senators per state), regardless of size.
  This deal, often called the Great Compromise, helps balance the interests of both large and small states.

3. Composition & terms

House of Representatives:

• There are 435 voting members, representing congressional districts across the 50 states.
• Members serve two-year terms.
• Qualifications: At least 25 years old, U.S. citizen for at least 7 years, inhabitant of the state they represent.
• In addition to the 435 voting members, there are non-voting delegates representing territories and D.C.

Senate:

• 100 members total (2 per state).
• Senators serve six-year terms, staggered so approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years.
• Qualifications: At least 30 years old, U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, inhabitant of the state they represent.

4. Powers & functions

Congress has a wide range of powers, many of which are explicitly given in the Constitution (Article I) and in subsequent laws. Some of the key functions:

• Law-making: Both chambers must approve the same bill before it goes to the President for signature.
• Budget & taxation: For example, the House has the special power to initiate revenue‐raising bills.
• Oversight & investigation: Congress monitors federal agencies, can hold hearings, request documents.
• Advice & consent (Senate): The Senate approves presidential nominations (for example, judges, Cabinet members) and ratifies treaties.
• Impeachment: The House can impeach federal officials; the Senate tries the case and can remove the official from office.

5. How a bill becomes a law (overview)

Here’s a simplified step‐by-step look:

1. A member of Congress (House or Senate) introduces a bill.
2. The bill is referred to a committee (or multiple committees) in that chamber. Committees review, amend, hold hearings.
3. If the committee approves, the bill goes to the chamber’s floor for debate and a vote.
4. If approved in that chamber, it goes to the other chamber (House↔Senate) where the process repeats.
5. If both chambers approve the same version, it is sent to the President. The President may sign it into law, veto it, or let it become law without a signature (depending on rules).
6. Congress can override a presidential veto by a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

6. Sessions & terms

• Each “Congress” lasts two years (since January 3 of an odd-numbered year).
• Each year within the Congress is called a “session”. So a Congress has two sessions typically.
• Sometimes special (extra) sessions are called.

7. Why it matters — for citizens & democracy

• Representation: Through the House and Senate, citizens of each state and district have voice in federal government.
• Checks & balances: Congress helps check the power of the executive branch (President) and to some extent the judiciary.
• Public policy: Laws passed by Congress impact almost every aspect of life — taxes, education, defense, healthcare, infrastructure.
• Accountability: Members are elected, so theoretically accountable to voters.

8. Some unique/interesting points

• Although smaller states have far fewer people, they have equal representation in the Senate (two senators each). This produces interesting dynamics in how legislation and power distribution work.
• The complexity and size of Congress: Many committees, sub-committees, dozens of bills introduced each year, only a fraction become law.
• Direct election of Senators is a relatively modern feature — before 1913, state legislatures chose senators.

9. How you can engage / why you should care

• Find your Representative in the House (based on your district) and your Senators in the Senate — contact them, know how they vote.
• Follow bills that affect you or your community. Many bills are accessible on the official site Congress.gov.
• Understanding how the legislative process works empowers you to understand government decisions (not just the headline).
• Participate in public hearings, petitions, civic groups — democracy is stronger when people engage.

10. Summary

In summary, the United States Congress is a foundational institution of American democracy. It’s the place where laws are made, oversight is exercised, and representation is given to the people and the states. Its bicameral structure, constitutional powers, and processes are designed to balance many interests and to ensure that government is not wholly concentrated. For any citizen, understanding Congress means better understanding how the country is governed and how you can play a part.