How Congress Works
Understanding the Legislative Process and Congressional Procedures
What is Congress?
Congress is the legislative branch of the United States federal government. It's a bicameral body, meaning it consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Together, these two chambers make up the 535 voting members of Congress.
The primary responsibility of Congress is to make laws that govern our nation. But Congress does much more than that—it controls federal spending, oversees the executive branch, confirms presidential appointments, and can even declare war.
The Two Chambers of Congress
House of Representatives
435 members representing districts based on population
2-year terms with elections every even year
Initiates revenue bills - All bills for raising revenue must originate in the House
Impeachment power - Can impeach federal officials
Led by the Speaker who is elected by House members
Senate
100 members with 2 senators per state
6-year terms with staggered elections every 2 years
Confirms appointments - Presidential nominees for Cabinet, judges, ambassadors
Ratifies treaties - Requires 2/3 majority to approve international treaties
Led by the Vice President as President of the Senate
How a Bill Becomes a Law
The legislative process requires careful deliberation and approval from multiple bodies
Introduction
A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate. The bill is assigned a number (e.g., H.R. 1234 for House bills, S. 5678 for Senate bills) and referred to the appropriate committee.
Committee Review
The committee studies the bill, holds hearings to gather expert testimony, and may make changes. If the committee approves, the bill moves forward. Most bills die in committee.
Floor Debate and Vote
The full chamber debates the bill. Members can propose amendments. After debate concludes, the chamber votes. A simple majority is needed to pass.
Other Chamber Repeats Process
The bill goes to the other chamber (House or Senate) where the entire process repeats. Both chambers must pass identical versions of the bill.
Conference Committee (If Needed)
If the House and Senate pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences. Both chambers must then approve the final version.
Presidential Action
The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or let it become law without a signature after 10 days. Congress can override a veto with a 2/3 majority vote in both chambers.
Key Powers of Congress
Power of the Purse
Congress controls all federal spending and must approve the federal budget each year.
Oversight
Congress oversees the executive branch through hearings, investigations, and reports.
War Powers
Only Congress can declare war, though the President commands the military.
Confirmation
The Senate confirms presidential appointments including Cabinet members, federal judges, and ambassadors.
Constitutional Amendments
Congress can propose amendments to the Constitution with a 2/3 vote in both chambers.
Impeachment
The House can impeach federal officials, and the Senate conducts the trial.
Ready to See Congress in Action?
Now that you understand how Congress works, explore current bills and see the legislative process in real-time.