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Congress & the President
Steven Posey
December 11, 2018
POL/115
Congress
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The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the country's federal government.
The Congress consists of two chambers: The House of Representatives and the Senate. The
House of Representatives members serve a two-year term representing the people of their
district. Representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on
committees. The number of representatives is based on the state's population. Unlike the
representatives, each state is appointed two senators, no matter the population of the state.
Senators serve a six-year term instead of two. The Senator's roles include writing and passing
laws, approving many presidential appointments, and ratifying treaties with other countries. The
Senate and the House both have standing committees. These are permanent and do not
change. The House's standing committee involves the budget, ways and means, and armed
services. The Senate's committees involve appropriations, foreign relations, and courts. Major
political parties are organized at the local, state, and national levels. Local parties participate in
municipal and county elections. State parties prepare for statewide elections. These members
may be picked through primary, state or caucus processes. National parties run for Congress
and the presidency. Each party has its committee. Congress' House of Representatives has a
Speaker of the House. The Majority Leader follows close behind and is handpicked by the
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