How it works
The Congress of the United States is two chambers, and a bill needs both. This legislative branch graphic organizer sets them side by side, so the differences in size, term and powers stand out.
Read the full guide
Fill the chart from the Constitution
Most boxes can be answered from Article I, which is short enough to read in class: sections 2 and 3 give members, terms and qualifications, and section 7 the rule on revenue bills. Two answers lie elsewhere. The Senate's say on treaties is in Article II, and the 435 seats of the House are set by law.
Then follow one bill
The six-step sheet shows why the chart matters: both chambers must pass a bill in identical words before it goes to the President.
- The Vice President is President of the Senate, but votes only to break a tie.
- A state's seats in the House can change after each census, every ten years. Its two seats in the Senate do not.
Questions and answers
What is the legislative branch?
The branch of the United States government that makes federal laws. It is Congress, which is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is the difference between the House and the Senate?
The House has 435 voting members who serve two-year terms, and its seats are shared among the states by population. The Senate has 100 members, two from every state, who serve six-year terms.
How does a bill become a law?
A member introduces it, a committee studies it and each chamber votes. When both have passed the same version it goes to the President, who can sign it or veto it. Two thirds of each chamber can override a veto.
What powers does Congress have?
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution lists them. They include collecting taxes, borrowing money, regulating commerce, coining money, establishing post offices, declaring war and raising armies.