How Congress Works: A Guide to Structure, Committees, and Representation

The U.S. Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government, responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the American people. Whether you’re new to government affairs or simply looking to better understand how policies are shaped, this guide breaks down the essential components of Congress—from its structure to how bills become law.

How Is Congress Structured?

Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two chambers:

• The Senate (Upper Chamber)
• The House of Representatives (Lower Chamber)

Each chamber has distinct responsibilities, powers, and membership structures. Keep reading to learn more about each chamber.

The Senate: How Many Senators Are There?

• The Senate consists of 100 senators, with two senators from each state regardless of population size.
• Senators serve six-year terms, with elections staggered so that roughly one-third of the Senate is up for reelection every two years.
• Senators represent their entire state, not a specific district.
• The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate but only votes to break ties.
• The Senate has unique powers, including confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, and conducting impeachment trials.

The House of Representatives: How Many Representatives Are There?

• The House has 435 voting representatives, with the number of representatives per state determined by population. There are six additional non-voting delegates representing the District of Columbia and other territories. 
• Each state is divided into congressional districts, with one representative per district.
• Representatives serve two-year terms, meaning the entire House is up for election every two years.
• The House initiates revenue-related legislation and has the sole power to impeach federal officials.

Who Leads Congress?

Each chamber has leadership positions that organize legislative priorities and oversee proceedings:

• Senate Leadership:
  • President of the Senate: Vice President of the U.S. (only votes in ties)
  • President Pro Tempore: Senior-most senator of the majority party, largely ceremonial
  • Majority and Minority Leaders: Lead party strategy and negotiations
  • Whips: Ensure party discipline and count votes
• House Leadership:
  • Speaker of the House: The presiding officer, elected by the majority party, with significant control over legislative priorities
  • Majority and Minority Leaders: Manage legislative agendas and party strategy
  • Whips: Mobilize votes within their parties

What do Congressional Committees Do?

Much of Congress’s work happens in congressional committees, which handle legislation, conduct oversight, and investigate issues. Committees allow for specialized focus on specific policy areas.

Types of Committees

1. Standing Committees (Permanent) – Handle ongoing legislative responsibilities, including:
   • Senate Appropriations Committee: Oversees federal spending.
   • House Ways and Means Committee: Manages tax policy.
   • Senate Judiciary Committee: Reviews judicial nominations and legal issues.
2. Select Committees (Temporary or Permanent) – Focus on specific issues, like cybersecurity or ethics investigations.
3. Joint Committees (Members from Both Chambers) – Address matters affecting both the House and Senate, such as the Joint Committee on Taxation.
4. Conference Committees (Temporary) – Resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

How Committees Influence Legislation

• Bills are referred to committees before reaching the full chamber for a vote.
• Committees:
  • Hold hearings with experts and stakeholders.
  • Conduct “markups” to propose amendments and finalize language.
  • If approved, the bill moves forward for floor debate and voting.

Which Congressional Committees Are Most Influential?

Some committees have more significant influence due to their jurisdiction over critical policy areas.

Top Senate Committees

• Appropriations – Controls federal spending and budget allocations.
• Finance – Manages tax policy, Social Security, and Medicare.
• Judiciary – Confirms federal judges and reviews legal matters.
• Foreign Relations – Guides U.S. foreign policy and ratifies treaties.
• Armed Services – Oversees the military and national defense policies.

Top House Committees

• Ways and Means – Handles tax policy and revenue-related legislation
• Appropriations – Allocates federal funds for government programs.
• Energy and Commerce – Covers healthcare, energy, and telecommunications.
• Rules Committee – Determines how bills are debated and amended on the House floor.
• Oversight and Accountability – Investigates government ethics and efficiency

How Does a Bill Become a Law?

Here’s a step-by-step look at the legislative process:

1. Introduction of a Bill – A member of Congress sponsors a bill and submits it to their chamber.
2. Committee Review – The bill is assigned to a relevant committee for hearings, amendments, and approval.
3. Chamber Vote – If approved, the bill is voted on by the full House or Senate.
4. Other Chamber Review – If passed in one chamber, the bill moves to the other chamber for consideration.
5. Conference Committee (If Needed) – If the House and Senate pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles them.
6. Final Vote – Both chambers must approve the final version.
7. Presidential Action – The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.

Conclusion

Congress plays a vital role in shaping national policy through legislation, oversight, and representation. With 100 senators and 435 representatives, lawmakers work through a system of leadership roles and committees to craft laws and guide the country’s direction. Understanding how Congress works empowers you to better engage in advocacy, policymaking, and government affairs.