Congressional

The United States Congress is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government. It is bicameral, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, and all of its members are elected directly by the people. more...

The House of Representatives has 435 members, each representing a congressional district and serving a two-year term. House seats are apportioned among the states by population. Each state has two Senators, regardless of population. There are 100 senators, serving six-year terms.

The United States Constitution vests all legislative powers of the federal government in the Congress. The powers of Congress are limited to those enumerated in the Constitution, plus those powers "necessary and proper" for carrying out its responsibilities. All other powers are reserved to the states and the people. Congress's most important powers include regulating interstate and foreign commerce, levying taxes, organizing the federal courts, maintaining the military, and declaring war. This power is exercised through Acts of Congress.

The Senate and House of Representatives are co-equal houses. However, there are some special powers granted to one chamber only. The Senate's advice and consent is required for presidential appointments to high-level executive and judicial positions, and for the ratification of treaties. Bills for raising revenue may only originate in the House of Representatives, however the Senate must agree to, and may block, all "revenue bills".The senate's vote is also required upon the appointment of a vice president if the administration has no vice president for whatever reasons.

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