How Congress Works
Last updated: January 9, 2026
Two Chambers, Two Roles
Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government. It is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate, which must agree on most legislation before it becomes law.
- House: Represents people by district, with 435 total seats.
- Senate: Represents states equally, with two senators per state.
How a Bill Becomes Law (Simplified)
- A member introduces a bill in the House or Senate.
- Committees review, hold hearings, and vote on changes.
- The full chamber debates and votes on the bill.
- Both chambers must pass the same version.
- The president signs it into law or issues a veto.
Committees Do the Heavy Lifting
Most policy work happens in committees and subcommittees. These groups specialize in topics like transportation, agriculture, or defense and shape the details of legislation.
Leadership and Agenda Setting
Congressional leaders schedule votes, negotiate priorities, and manage the flow of legislation. In the House, the Speaker is a central figure. In the Senate, party leaders guide floor activity.
Track Your Representatives
Want to see who represents you and when their terms end? Explore the interactive map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the U.S. Congress work?
Congress is the legislative branch that makes federal laws. It consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives (435 members) and the Senate (100 members). Both chambers must pass identical versions of a bill before it goes to the President to be signed into law.
What does Congress do?
Congress makes federal laws, controls government spending through the budget process, declares war, confirms presidential appointments, and provides oversight of the executive branch. The House and Senate also have unique powers: the House initiates revenue bills, while the Senate confirms treaties and judges.
How many members of Congress are there?
There are 535 voting members of Congress: 435 Representatives in the House and 100 Senators (2 from each state). Additionally, there are 6 non-voting delegates from territories and the District of Columbia.
What is the difference between the House and Senate?
The House has 435 members who serve 2-year terms and represent districts by population. The Senate has 100 members who serve 6-year terms with 2 senators per state regardless of population. The House is designed to be more responsive to voters, while the Senate provides stability and equal state representation.
What do U.S. Representatives do?
Representatives introduce and vote on legislation, represent their district constituents, serve on committees, and provide oversight of government agencies. They also help constituents with federal issues and communicate district needs to the federal government.