Legislative Branch
Article I: The Power to Make Laws
Established by Article I of the Constitution, the Legislative Branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress. Congress has the sole authority to enact legislation, declare war, and confirm or reject many Presidential appointments.
Current Congressional Leadership (119th Congress)
House of Representatives
United States Senate
Chamber Breakdown
House of Representatives
- 435 voting members
- Representation based on state population
- Members serve 2-year terms
- Sole power to initiate revenue bills
- Sole power to impeach officials
- Must be 25+ years old, 7+ years a citizen
The Senate
- 100 Senators (2 per state)
- Representation is equal for every state
- Senators serve 6-year terms
- Sole power to confirm appointments
- Sole power to ratify treaties
- Must be 30+ years old, 9+ years a citizen
Current Party Composition
House of Representatives
Majority: 218 seats needed
Senate
Majority: 51 seats needed | Supermajority: 60 seats
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Introduction
A bill is introduced in either the House or Senate by a member of Congress.
Committee Action
The bill is studied, debated, and voted on in committee.
Floor Vote
The full chamber debates and votes. If passed, it goes to the other chamber.
Presidential Action
The President signs it into law or vetoes it.
1. Drafting & Sponsorship
Any member can introduce a bill. In the House, bills are dropped in the "hopper." In the Senate, bills are presented from the floor. Bills can have multiple co-sponsors.
2. Committee Review
Bills are referred to relevant committees based on subject matter. Committees hold hearings, call witnesses, and may amend the bill. Many bills "die in committee" and never reach the floor.
3. Floor Debate
In the House, the Rules Committee sets debate terms. In the Senate, debate is unlimited unless cloture is invoked (60 votes). Amendments may be proposed and voted on.
4. Conference Committee
If the House and Senate pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences. Both chambers must pass the identical final version.
5. Presidential Action
The President has 10 days to sign or veto. If vetoed, Congress can override with 2/3 majority in both chambers. A "pocket veto" occurs if Congress adjourns within 10 days.
Key Congressional Committees
House Committees
Senate Committees
Constitutional Powers of Congress
Power of the Purse
Congress controls federal spending and must approve all government expenditures and taxation.
Declare War
Only Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war on foreign nations.
Make Laws
All legislative powers are vested in Congress. They write and pass federal laws.
Oversight
Congress investigates executive branch activities and holds hearings to ensure laws are properly executed.
Confirm Appointments
The Senate confirms presidential appointments including judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors.
Impeachment
The House can impeach federal officials; the Senate holds the trial and can remove from office.