Proceedings of the U.S. Congress are televised for the first time.

The United States Congress stands as the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States, playing a pivotal role in the nation's governance. As a bicameral legislature, it is distinctly structured into two chambers: the lower body, known as the House of Representatives, and the upper body, the Senate. This bicameral system, a foundational element stemming from the Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention, was designed to balance the representation of states based on population (House) with equal representation for all states (Senate), fostering a system of checks and balances within the legislative process itself.

Congress convenes and conducts its vital work within the iconic United States Capitol building, a landmark symbol of American democracy situated in Washington, D.C. This historical edifice serves not merely as a meeting place but as the epicenter of federal lawmaking and national policy debate.

Membership and Electoral Process

Both senators and representatives gain their seats through direct election by the citizens, embodying the principle of popular sovereignty. While this has been a consistent practice for representatives since the nation's inception, senators were originally chosen by state legislatures. The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1913, transitioned the election of senators to direct popular vote, significantly enhancing democratic participation. Should a vacancy arise in the Senate before the end of a term, a state's governor is typically empowered to appoint a temporary replacement until a special election can be held, though specific state laws may vary.

The U.S. Congress comprises a total of 535 voting members: 100 senators and 435 representatives. The Vice President of the United States holds the distinct role of President of the Senate and possesses a vote exclusively in cases where senators are evenly divided on a particular measure, serving as the tie-breaker to ensure legislative progress.

Beyond its voting members, the House of Representatives also includes six non-voting members who represent various U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. These members participate in committee deliberations, introduce legislation, and can vote in committees, but they do not have a vote on the House floor during final passage of bills. These non-voting members include:

Terms, Elections, and Representation

Each sitting of a Congress constitutes a two-year term, with a new Congress commencing every other January following a general election. For instance, the Congress that began in January 2023 is the 118th Congress. Federal elections, including those for all House seats and a third of Senate seats, are consistently held on Election Day, which falls on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year.

Members of the House of Representatives serve for the duration of a single two-year congressional term. Their election process is largely governed by the Reapportionment Act of 1929, which mandates that representatives are elected from single-member constituencies or districts using a "first-past-the-post" (plurality vote) system. This means the candidate who receives the most votes in a district wins, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority. Crucially, the Act also stipulates that Congressional districts must be reapportioned among states every ten years, directly based on population data collected by the decennial United States Census. This ensures that representation in the House remains proportional to population shifts across the nation, with the fundamental guarantee that every state, regardless of its population size, is entitled to at least one Congressional representative.

In contrast, each senator is elected to represent their entire state "at-large" for a robust six-year term. To ensure continuity and stability within the upper chamber, Senate terms are staggered. Approximately one-third of the Senate seats are contested every two years, creating a system where only a portion of the body faces re-election at any given time. This staggering, organized into three classes of senators, prevents an entirely new Senate from being elected at once and allows for a more experienced and deliberative body. Reflecting the principle of equal state representation, each state, irrespective of its population or geographical size, is allocated two senators. Consequently, with 50 states currently in the Union, there are 100 senators.

Qualifications and Political Dynamics

To serve in the United States Congress, individuals must meet specific constitutional requirements outlined in Article One of the U.S. Constitution:

A notable aspect of 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 experience and institutional knowledge.

The United States Congress was formally established by the Constitution of the United States and convened for the first time in 1789, succeeding the Congress of the Confederation. The previous body, operating under the Articles of Confederation, possessed limited powers and proved insufficient for the governance challenges of the nascent nation, necessitating the creation of a stronger, more effective federal legislature.

While the U.S. Constitution does not mandate political party affiliation, in practice, since the 19th century, nearly all members of Congress align with one of the two dominant major parties: the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. It is rare to find members affiliated with a third party or serving as independent, unaffiliated with any political party. However, even unaffiliated members can participate in legislative caucuses with members of the major parties, gaining access to resources and influence. Furthermore, while uncommon, members possess the freedom to switch their party affiliation at any point during their tenure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Congress

What is the primary function of the U.S. Congress?
The primary function of the U.S. Congress, as the legislative branch, is to create federal laws, declare war, approve treaties, raise and provide public money and oversee the executive branch.
How many members are in the U.S. Congress?
There are 535 voting members in the U.S. Congress: 435 in the House of Representatives and 100 in the Senate, plus six non-voting delegates/resident commissioner in the House.
Why does the U.S. Congress have two chambers (bicameral)?
The U.S. Congress is bicameral (two chambers) to balance proportional representation based on population (House) with equal representation for all states (Senate), a compromise designed to protect both large and small states' interests.
How often are Congressional elections held?
Congressional elections for all House seats and one-third of Senate seats are held every two years, specifically on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year.
Are there term limits for members of Congress?
No, there are no constitutional or statutory term limits for members of either the House of Representatives or the Senate; they can be re-elected an unlimited number of times.