United States Congress

United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Both senators and representatives are chosen through direct election, though vacancies in the Senate may be filled by a governor's appointment.

History

The Congress was created by the United States Constitution and first met in 1789, replacing the Congress of the Confederation. Its structure and responsibilities are defined in Article One of the Constitution. The Congress is divided into two chambers: the Senate, which has 100 members, and the House of Representatives, which has 435 members.

Senate

The Senate is the upper house of the United States Congress. Each state, regardless of its population size, is represented by two senators who serve staggered six-year terms. The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House, including consenting to treaties as a precondition to their ratification and consenting to or confirming appointments of Cabinet secretaries, federal judges, other federal executive officials, military officers, regulatory officials, ambassadors, and other federal uniformed officers.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower house of the United States Congress. The House is composed of representatives who sit in congressional districts allocated to each state on a basis of population as measured by the U.S. Census, with each district entitled to one representative. The House has several powers assigned exclusively to it, including the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in the case of an electoral college tie.

Powers and duties

The United States Congress has the power to legislate, investigate, and has the power of the purse. It can declare war, ratify treaties, and has oversight of the Executive branch. The Congress also has the power to impeach and remove the President and other federal officers.

See also

• List of United States Congresses
• Members of the United States Congress
• Procedures of the United States Congress
• Powers of the United States Congress