Through legislative debate and compromise, the U.S. Congress makes laws that influence our daily lives. It holds hearings to inform the legislative process, conducts investigations to oversee the executive branch, and serves as the voice of the people and the states in the federal government.
What Congress Does
Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government that makes the nation's laws.
Two Bodies, One Branch
The two houses of Congress have equal but unique roles in the federal government.
Making Laws
There are many different ways, both simple and complex, in which a bill becomes law.
The U.S. House of Representatives
From the House’s inception, Representatives have been elected directly by the people.
The U.S. Senate
In the United States Senate all states are represented equally.