The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal
government of the United States, consisting of two houses, the Senate and the
House of Representatives. Both senators and representatives are chosen through
direct election.
The 435 members of the House of Representatives represent a district and
serve a two-year term. "House" seats are apportioned among the states by
population. The 100 Senators serve staggered six-year terms. Each state has two
senators, regardless of population. Every two years, approximately one-third of
the Senate is elected.
The United States Constitution vests all legislative power in the Congress.
The House and Senate are equal partners in the legislative process (legislation
cannot be enacted without the consent of both chambers); however, the
Constitution grants each chamber some unique powers. The Senate is empowered to
approve treaties and Presidential appointments. Revenue-raising bills must
originate in the House of Representatives, which also has the sole power of
impeachment, while the Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases.
The Congress meets in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C..
The term Congress actually refers to a particular meeting of the national
legislature, reckoned according to the terms of representatives. Therefore, a
"Congress" covers two years. The current 110th Congress first convened on
January 4, 2007.
