How the US Congress Works: Powers, Members & Big Decisions

The US Congress is one of the most important parts of the American government. It makes the laws that shape everyday life in the United States. From taxes to healthcare to national defense, decisions made by Congress affect millions of people. But how does Congress really work? Who are its members? What powers does it have? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the US Congress in simple terms.

What Is the US Congress?

The US Congress is the legislative branch of the United States federal government. It’s made up of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. These two groups work together to write and pass laws.

Congress meets in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Every two years, voters choose new members of Congress in national elections.

Why Do We Have Congress?

When the United States was founded, the country’s leaders wanted a system where no one person or group had too much power. This idea is called checks and balances. Congress is a key part of this system.

Congress makes the laws, the President carries out the laws, and the Supreme Court makes sure the laws follow the Constitution. This setup ensures that each branch of government keeps the others in check.

The Two Chambers of Congress

The House of Representatives

• Total Members: 435
• Term Length: 2 years
• Representation: Based on population
• Leader: Speaker of the House

The House of Representatives represents the people. Bigger states like California and Texas have more representatives because they have larger populations. Every 10 years, the number of representatives from each state can change based on the U.S. Census.

The Senate

• Total Members: 100 (2 from each state)
• Term Length: 6 years
• Representation: Equal for each state
• Leader: Vice President (ceremonial), President pro tempore, Majority Leader

The Senate is designed to give equal power to every state, no matter how big or small. This means a state like Wyoming has the same number of senators as California.

What Does Congress Do?

1. Make Laws

This is the main job of Congress. A bill (a proposed law) can start in either the House or the Senate. It must pass both chambers and be signed by the President to become law.

2. Control the Budget

Congress decides how the government spends money. This includes everything from roads and schools to military spending and foreign aid.

3. Declare War

Only Congress can declare war, even though the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the military.

4. Approve Treaties and Appointments

The Senate approves treaties with other countries and confirms appointments to key government jobs like Supreme Court justices and ambassadors.

5. Hold Investigations

Congress can investigate issues and hold hearings to get more information. This is an important part of holding the government accountable.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:

1. Idea: A bill starts as an idea from a lawmaker or even the public.
2. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces the bill.
3. Committee Review: A group of lawmakers studies the bill, suggests changes, and votes on it.
4. Debate & Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes.
5. Other Chamber: The bill goes to the other chamber and repeats the process.
6. Final Approval: If both chambers approve the same version, it goes to the President.
7. Presidential Action: The President signs the bill into law or vetoes it. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.

Who Can Be a Member of Congress?

For the House:

• At least 25 years old
• U.S. citizen for at least 7 years
• Live in the state they represent

For the Senate:

• At least 30 years old
• U.S. citizen for at least 9 years
• Live in the state they represent

Members of Congress come from many different backgrounds. Some are former teachers, doctors, or businesspeople. This mix of experience helps bring different ideas to the table.

Congressional Leadership

Each chamber has leaders who guide the work and schedule.

In the House:

• Speaker of the House: Most powerful member, usually from the majority party
• Majority and Minority Leaders: Lead their political parties
• Whips: Help organize votes

In the Senate:

• Vice President: Breaks ties in the Senate
• President Pro Tempore: Leads in the Vice President’s absence
• Majority and Minority Leaders: Guide bills and debate

Political Parties in Congress

There are two main political parties in the US Congress: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Sometimes, a third party or an independent member is elected, but this is rare.

The party with the most members in a chamber is called the majority party. The other is the minority party. The majority party has more control over what laws get discussed and voted on.

Challenges Congress Faces

Even though Congress is powerful, it often struggles to get things done. Here are a few reasons why:

• Partisan Gridlock: When the two parties don’t agree, progress slows down.
• Filibusters: In the Senate, lawmakers can delay votes by speaking for a long time.
• Lobbying and Special Interests: Outside groups sometimes have too much influence.
• Public Trust: Many Americans feel Congress doesn’t represent them well.

Major Recent Decisions by Congress

Some of the big actions by Congress in recent years include:

• COVID-19 Relief Packages: Help for families and businesses during the pandemic
• Infrastructure Investment: Funding for roads, bridges, and internet access
• Debt Ceiling Debates: Avoiding government shutdowns
• Gun Control Legislation: Debates around background checks and assault weapons
• Climate Policy: New spending to fight global warming and promote clean energy

These examples show how the US Congress affects important parts of daily life.

Why Understanding Congress Matters

Many people don’t realize how powerful Congress is. Decisions made by Congress affect:

• How much you pay in taxes
• What schools teach your children
• What kind of healthcare is available
• How much support veterans and seniors receive
• What your rights are in court or at work

Voting in congressional elections gives people a say in how the country is run.

How You Can Get Involved

Even if you’re not old enough to run for office, you can still make a difference:

• Vote in local and national elections
• Call or email your representatives
• Attend town halls or community meetings
• Volunteer for campaigns or causes
• Stay informed by reading the news

Your voice matters. Members of Congress work for the people — and that means you.

Final Thoughts

The US Congress may seem complicated, but it plays a huge role in how America functions. From passing laws to shaping the economy and protecting rights, it impacts nearly every aspect of life.

By learning how Congress works, you can better understand the country’s political system and even help shape its future. Whether you’re voting, contacting your representatives, or simply talking about issues that matter, staying informed is the first step to making a difference.

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