United States Congress
The legislative branch of the federal government, consisting of the House and Senate
House of Representatives
The lower chamber of Congress, with 435 members serving two-year terms. Representation is based on state population, with more populous states having more representatives.
- 435 voting members
- 2-year terms
- Must be 25+ years old
- Must be US citizen 7+ years
- Must live in state represented
- Revenue bills originate here
- More rules, less debate
- Closer to the people
Senate
The upper chamber of Congress, with 100 members serving six-year terms. Each state has two senators regardless of population, providing equal representation.
- 100 voting members
- 6-year terms
- Must be 30+ years old
- Must be US citizen 9+ years
- Must live in state represented
- Treaties & appointments
- Unlimited debate (filibuster)
- More deliberative
Key Differences
Members
House: 435
Senate: 100
Senate: 100
Terms
House: 2 years
Senate: 6 years
Senate: 6 years
Representation
House: By population
Senate: Equal (2 per state)
Senate: Equal (2 per state)
Age Requirement
House: 25+
Senate: 30+
Senate: 30+
Citizenship
House: 7+ years
Senate: 9+ years
Senate: 9+ years
Special Powers
House: Revenue bills
Senate: Treaties, appointments
Senate: Treaties, appointments