Congress of the United States
The legislative branch makes federal law. It is bicameral — divided into two chambers — and is the only branch with the power to declare war and control the federal budget.
How Congress Works
The United States Congress is the legislative body of the federal government. It consists of two chambers: the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house). Together, they write, debate, and pass federal legislation.
Congress holds broad powers under Article I of the Constitution, including the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, coin money, declare war, and maintain the armed forces. It also has the power to impeach federal officials, including the President.
The Senate
The Senate is composed of 100 senators — two from each of the 50 states — who serve six-year terms. The Senate has exclusive power to ratify treaties, confirm presidential appointments, and conduct impeachment trials.
House of Representatives
The House has 435 voting members apportioned among states by population. Representatives serve two-year terms. The House has the exclusive power to originate revenue bills and initiate impeachment proceedings.
How a Bill Becomes Law
Federal legislation follows a structured path through Congress before reaching the President.
Introduction
A member of Congress introduces a bill in their chamber. Any member may introduce legislation.
Committee Review
The bill is assigned to a relevant committee, which studies, amends, and votes on whether to advance it.
Floor Debate
The full chamber debates the bill, proposes amendments, and votes. A simple majority is required to pass.
Other Chamber
The bill moves to the other chamber, which may pass it as-is, amend it, or reject it entirely.
Conference
If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
Presidential Action
The President signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or allows it to become law without signature after 10 days.
Key Congressional Committees
Committees are the workhorses of Congress — they draft legislation, conduct oversight, and hold hearings.
Senate Finance Committee
Taxation, revenue, Social Security, Medicare, trade
Senate Armed Services
Defense policy, military operations, weapons procurement
Senate Judiciary
Federal courts, constitutional amendments, immigration
Senate Foreign Relations
Treaties, foreign policy, State Department oversight
House Ways and Means
Tax code, trade, Social Security, Medicare
House Appropriations
Federal spending, government funding, budget
House Intelligence
CIA, NSA, intelligence community oversight
House Judiciary
Federal courts, civil liberties, DOJ oversight
The Senate — Key Powers
- Ratify treaties (2/3 majority)
- Confirm presidential nominations
- Try impeachment cases
- Approve ambassadors and judges
House of Representatives — Key Powers
- Originate all revenue bills
- Initiate impeachment proceedings
- Elect the President (contingent election)
- Approve the federal budget
Continue Exploring
Learn about the other two branches of government