Article I of the U.S. Constitution establishes the legislative (law-making) branch of government with a bicameral (two-chambered) Congress – the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bicameral system is intended to provide checks and balances within the legislative branch.

The primary duty of Congress is to write, debate and pass bills, which are then sent to the president for approval. Congressional powers include coining and printing money, maintaining military forces, declaring war, regulating interstate and foreign commerce, and rarely used powers to impeach federal officials and to initiate amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Congress controls federal taxing and spending policies, and has the authority to investigate and oversee the executive branch and its agencies. In addition, Congress shares powers with the president in matters such as framing U.S. foreign policy and controlling the military.

The bicameral legislature has two houses, with representation based on population in one chamber (the House of Representatives) and equal representation in the other (the Senate).

Currently, all members of Congress are elected by a direct vote by the citizens of the state they represent. Every two years, voters elect or re-elect all 435 representatives and one-third of the senators.

More Congressional Info
How a Bill Becomes Law
Who Represents Me in Congress
Congressional Nutrition Legislative Update