How Congress Works, Question by Question
How does a bill become law? How many votes does it take to override a veto or end a filibuster? Plain answers, each with its source in the Constitution, the chamber rules or federal law.
- How Congress WorksHow a Bill Becomes LawFrom introduction to the president's desk
- How Congress WorksThe House435 voting members, elected every two years
- How Congress WorksThe SenateTwo senators per state, six-year terms
- How Congress WorksCommitteesWhere most bills are studied, amended or left to wait
- How Congress WorksFloor Votes and Roll CallsHow members vote and how votes are recorded
- How Congress WorksThe Filibuster and ClotureExtended debate in the Senate and how to end it
- How Congress WorksVetoes and OverridesThe president's no, and how Congress can overcome it
- How Congress WorksThe Budget and AppropriationsHow Congress decides what the government can spend
- How Congress WorksImpeachmentHow Congress can charge and remove federal officials
- How Congress WorksTreaties and NominationsThe Senate's advice and consent