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Congress

The bicameral legislative body that is created by Article I of the Constitution and has the power to make federal laws. Congress includes the House of Representatives, with 435 members representing districts in each of the 50 states, and the Senate, with 100 members, two from each state. When the Constitution was adopted, Senators were selected by state legislators, but they are now selected by voters in their statewide elections.

Members of the House serve two-year terms. Members of the Senate serve six-year terms. They establish their own rules of operation in each body. The Constitution specifies that the Vice President also serves as the President of the Senate. The powers of Congress are limited, that is they only have those powers specifically set out in the Constitution.

The United States Constitution, What It Says, What It Means, A Hip Pocket Guide