What is Congress?
Congress is America's law-making body, where elected officials come together to create and pass laws that shape our nation. Think of it as the "board of directors" for the United States, where representatives from all states meet to make important decisions.
The U.S. Capitol Building
Where Congress meets to make laws for the nation
Two Parts, One Congress
Congress is divided into two chambers, each serving a unique role in our democracy
House of Representatives
The People's House - where representation is based on state population.
435 Members
- •435 voting members
- •Each state gets representatives based on population
- •Elections every 2 years
- •Led by the Speaker of the House
Senate
The Upper Chamber - where each state has equal representation.
100 Members
- •100 total members (2 per state)
- •Senators serve 6-year terms
- •One-third of seats up for election every 2 years
- •Led by the President of the Senate
How many Representatives and Senators are there?
Each state has a number of representatives based on its population, while every state has exactly two senators, regardless of population.
Understanding Bills
A bill is a proposal for a new law. Each type serves a different purpose and follows its own path through Congress.
Public Bills
These affect the general public and are the most common type of legislation.
Private Bills
These affect specific individuals, groups, or places.
House Bills (H.R.)
Bills that start in the House of Representatives.
Senate Bills (S.)
Bills that start in the Senate.
Bill Status Explained
Introduced - The bill begins its journey
In Committee - Being studied and revised
Passed One Chamber - Approved by House or Senate
Passed Both Chambers - Ready for President
Failed/Vetoed - Bill did not become law
Fun Facts About Bills
Average Time
It takes an average of 263 days for a bill to become law, though some can take years!
Success Rate
Only about 5% of bills introduced in Congress actually become law.
Record Holder
The longest bill ever was the Affordable Care Act at over 2,700 pages!
The Journey of a Bill
Follow a bill's exciting journey from an idea to becoming a law! Drag each stage to see what happens next.
Introduction
Success Rate: 100%The bill begins its journey
Committee Review
Success Rate: 45%Detailed study and changes
Floor Action
Success Rate: 25%Debate and voting in chamber
Other Chamber
Success Rate: 15%Process repeats in other chamber
Presidential Action
Success Rate: 10%Final step to become law