United States Congress

Bicameral legislature of the United States federal government

The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States and consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

History

The United States Congress was established by the U.S. Constitution in 1789, replacing the Articles of Confederation Congress. The first Congress met in New York City, which was the nation's capital at the time. The Congress has evolved over the years, adapting to the changing needs of the nation.

Structure

The Congress is divided into two chambers:

Senate

The Senate is composed of 100 members, two from each state, serving six-year terms. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate but votes only to break ties.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has 435 members, with the number from each state determined by its population. Members serve two-year terms. The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer.

Powers and Functions

Congress has several key powers and functions, including:

• Legislation: Congress is responsible for drafting and passing laws.
• Budget: Congress controls federal spending and taxation.
• Oversight: Congress monitors the executive branch and federal agencies.
• Impeachment: Congress can impeach and remove federal officials, including the President.

Legislative Process

The legislative process involves several steps:

1. Introduction: A bill is introduced in either chamber.
2. Committee Review: The bill is assigned to a committee for study.
3. Debate and Vote: The bill is debated and voted on in the chamber.
4. Conference Committee: Differences between House and Senate versions are reconciled.
5. Presidential Action: The President can sign or veto the bill.

Related pages

• United States Senate
• United States House of Representatives
• United States Capitol
• Federal government of the United States

References

• "The United States Congress." Library of Congress. Accessed October 2023.
• "The Legislative Process." Congressional Research Service. Accessed October 2023.

Gallery

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  The United States Legislative Process Overview

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  Johnson Impeachment Committee

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  Signing of the Constitution

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  United States Congress circa 1915

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  Control of the U.S. House and Senate

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  1989 Congress Bicentennial Dollar

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  U.S. Currency Federal Reserve

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  USS Bon Homme Richard

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  Thompson Watergate

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  United States Capitol

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  Senate in session

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  Congress Hall committee room

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  Committee Consideration

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  Thomas Jefferson Building

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  Congressional Research Service

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  Private Law 86-407

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  U.S. House Committee

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