Congress

The State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress

Congress forms the law making or legislative branch of the US government as prescribed in Article I Section I of the US constitution.

It is made up of two houses - the 435-member House of Representatives and 100-member Senate - each of which officially has equal power, if not prestige.

A congressional period lasts two years (or sessions) and begins at noon on 3 January of odd-numbered years.

As well as drafting and implementing laws Congress also has the power to:

• investigate matters of public concern;
• oversee federal agencies and their programs;
• declare war;
• approve and ratify treaties;
• regulate commerce;
• increase and decrease taxes;
• print and appropriate money;
• confirm/approve judicial and federal appointments and nominations;
• impeach federal officials including the president and vice president;
• and override presidential vetoes based on a two-thirds majority in each chamber.