US Congress

US Congress

The bicameral legislature of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making federal laws. It meets in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

The House of representatives

Consists of 435 elected members, distributed among the 50 states in proportion to their total population. There is also one resident commissioner from Puerto Rico and four delegates from America’s other territories and from Washington, D.C., none of whom may vote.

Senate

Is made up of 100 Senators, two from each of the 50 states, irrespective of the state’s population size. Senators serve six-year terms, while House members serve two-year terms. The Senate plays a crucial role in the legislative process, including the ratification of treaties and confirmation of federal appointments. It also has the power to conduct impeachment trials for federal officials.

Congressional districts

refer to the area that a member of the House represents, though the number and shape of districts can change with the census every 10 years.

Committees

Committees in Congress are key, dividing much of the legislative work, with bills typically written and negotiated in committee. Committees vary by subject matter, standing committees, select or special committees and joint committees are types that exist.

legislative power

Congress can make laws on various matters, including commerce, defense, and federal property. Laws must pass through both houses and receive presidential approval before enactment.

investigative power

To oversee Executive Branch actions, Congress can hold hearings and investigations.

Impeachment power

The House can vote to impeach federal officials; the Senate holds impeachment trials.

advice and consent

The Senate has the power to confirm federal appointments such as Supreme Court Justices and to ratify treaties.

congressional oversight

Congressional oversight can be seen as a check on the President’s power, ensuring transparency and accountability in the executive actions. It has been used in significant investigations, such as the Watergate scandal under President Nixon and the impeachment inquiries into President Clinton and President Trump.

roll call voting

Typically used for significant legislation, every member’s vote is recorded. In the House of Representatives, this is done electronically, while in the Senate they are counted manually.

division voting

A variant of voice voting where members physically divide into groups to signify their vote.