The U.S. Congress passes the Coinage Act of 1864 that mandates that the inscription In God We Trust be placed on all coins minted as United States currency.

The United States Congress stands as the legislative bedrock of the federal government, a powerful and enduring institution designed to represent the American people and craft the nation's laws. It is a remarkable example of a bicameral legislature, meaning it comprises two distinct chambers: the House of Representatives, often referred to as the lower body, and the Senate, serving as the upper body. These two houses, each with unique characteristics and responsibilities, convene within the iconic United States Capitol building, a symbol of American democracy nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Both senators and representatives earn their seats through the foundational democratic principle of direct election, giving citizens a direct voice in who represents them. However, in specific circumstances, such as a vacancy arising in the Senate before an election can be held, a state's governor has the authority to appoint an individual to fill that seat until the next scheduled election. At full strength, Congress consists of 535 voting members: a robust contingent of 100 senators, two from each of the 50 states, and 435 representatives, whose numbers are distributed among the states based on population. The Vice President of the United States holds a unique ceremonial and practical role as the President of the Senate, though their power to cast a vote is reserved exclusively for those rare occasions when senators find themselves in an evenly divided vote, breaking a tie. Adding to the complex tapestry of representation, the House of Representatives also includes six non-voting members, representing various U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, allowing their voices to be heard in the legislative process, even without a direct vote on final bills.

The Structure and Cycle of Congress

The Rhythm of Congressional Terms and Elections

A "Congress" as an institutional unit, operates for a two-year term, a cycle that presently commences every other January, following a tradition that sets the nation's legislative agenda. The pulse of American democracy beats every even-numbered year on Election Day, typically the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, when citizens head to the polls. All members of the House of Representatives are elected for the entirety of this two-year congressional term, meaning their tenure aligns perfectly with each new Congress. The structure for their election is meticulously defined by the Reapportionment Act of 1929, which dictates that representatives are chosen from single-member constituencies, commonly known as districts, using a "first-past-the-post" system – where the candidate with the most votes wins. Crucially, these Congressional districts are reapportioned to states based on population counts every ten years, following the comprehensive data gathered by the United States Census, ensuring proportional representation. A fundamental safeguard of this system is the guarantee that every state, regardless of its population size, is allocated at least one Congressional representative, upholding the principle of state representation. In contrast, each senator is elected "at-large," meaning they represent their entire state rather than a specific district, serving a much longer six-year term. To ensure continuity and prevent a complete overhaul of the Senate every election cycle, these terms are staggered, so approximately one-third of the Senate seats are up for election every two years. This deliberate design means that at any given time, the Senate benefits from the experience of continuing members while also integrating new perspectives. Reflecting the principle of equal state representation, each state, irrespective of its population or geographical size, is allocated two senators, leading to the current total of 100 senators for the 50 states.

Qualifications for Service in the Nation's Legislature

The framers of the United States Constitution, in Article One, meticulously outlined the foundational requirements for individuals aspiring to serve in Congress, ensuring a certain level of maturity and commitment to the nation. To be eligible for the House of Representatives, a candidate must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen of the United States for a minimum of seven years, and be an inhabitant of the state they seek to represent at the time of their election. For the more deliberative upper chamber, the Senate, the qualifications are slightly more stringent: a candidate must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and also be an inhabitant of the state they represent. One of the distinguishing features of American congressional service is the absence of term limits; members in both the House and Senate are permitted to stand for re-election an unlimited number of times, allowing for the accumulation of extensive legislative experience, though this also fuels debates about career politicians.

Historical Roots and Political Landscape

The very existence of Congress is a testament to the foresight of the United States Constitution, which brought it into being. It first convened in 1789, marking a pivotal moment in American governance as it successfully replaced the Congress of the Confederation, which had operated under the Articles of Confederation and proved less effective as a central legislative body. While not explicitly mandated by law, the practical reality of American politics since the 19th century has seen Congress members almost invariably align themselves with one of the nation's two dominant political forces: the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. It is a rare occurrence to find members affiliated with a third party or serving as independents without any formal party affiliation. However, the absence of a direct party label does not preclude such members from actively engaging in the legislative process; they often "caucus" or align themselves with one of the major parties on specific issues, leveraging their positions to influence policy. Furthermore, the fluidity of political allegiance means that members retain the right to switch parties at any time during their tenure, although this phenomenon remains quite uncommon, often carrying significant political ramifications.

The Coinage Act of 1864 and "In God We Trust"

Amidst the turmoil of the American Civil War, a period that tested the very fabric of the nation, Congress addressed not only grand political and military strategies but also the seemingly mundane yet crucial matter of national currency. The Coinage Act of 1864, a significant United States federal law, was passed on April 22, 1864, directly impacting the coins in the pockets of everyday Americans. This act specifically mandated a change in the metallic composition of the one-cent coin, adapting it to the economic realities and material availability of the time. More notably, it authorized the entirely new minting of the two-cent coin, introducing a fresh denomination into circulation. The responsibility for bringing these new and redesigned coins to life fell to the Director of the U.S. Mint, who meticulously developed their artistic and practical designs for the final stamp of approval from the Secretary of the Treasury, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and national consistency.

The Emergence of a National Motto

It was as a direct consequence of this landmark 1864 legislation that a phrase now synonymous with American identity first made its public debut on U.S. currency: "In God We Trust." This solemn declaration appeared for the very first time on the newly authorized 1864 two-cent coin, a subtle but profound addition during a period of national crisis. The idea quickly resonated, leading to further legislative action. An Act of Congress, passed less than a year later on March 3, 1865, expanded this practice, allowing the Mint Director, with the Secretary's endorsement, to incorporate the phrase "In God We Trust" onto all gold and silver coins, provided the inscription could be accommodated by their design. This marked a significant step in embedding the motto into the nation's coinage. Decades later, its status was elevated further. In 1956, amidst the Cold War era and a renewed emphasis on spiritual values, "In God We Trust" officially replaced "E Pluribus Unum" (Latin for "Out of many, one") as the national motto of the United States. Following this legislative change, every piece of U.S. currency, whether printed paper money or minted coins, began to uniformly bear this new national declaration, reflecting a shared national sentiment and historical evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Congress and National Motto

How many members are in the United States Congress?
The United States Congress comprises 535 voting members: 100 senators and 435 representatives. Additionally, the House of Representatives includes six non-voting members from U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
What is the fundamental difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate?
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber, with representation based on state population, and members serving two-year terms. The Senate is the upper chamber, providing equal representation for all states (two senators per state), with members serving six-year staggered terms, designed to be a more deliberative body.
How often are elections held for members of Congress?
Elections for Congress are held every even-numbered year on Election Day, typically in November. All House members are up for re-election every two years, while approximately one-third of the Senate seats are contested every two years due to their staggered six-year terms.
What are the basic qualifications to serve in the U.S. Congress?
For the House, members must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for seven years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent. For the Senate, the requirements are stricter: at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for nine years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.
Why does "In God We Trust" appear on U.S. currency?
"In God We Trust" first appeared on the 1864 two-cent coin following the Coinage Act of 1864. It was gradually added to other coins and eventually designated as the official national motto in 1956, replacing "E Pluribus Unum." This change led to its inclusion on all U.S. currency.
Where does the United States Congress meet?
The United States Congress convenes in the historic United States Capitol building, located in Washington, D.C., a landmark recognized globally as a symbol of American democracy and legislative power.