All legislative powers are vested within the Congress - a two part governmental body including both the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate, a 100 member group with 2 senators from each state, is elected by the people with direct reference to the 17th amendment. All senators must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizens for at least 9 years, and be a resident of the state they are elected from. Their term remains for six years and 1/3 of the total Senate is elected every two years. This allows for a continual change. Of the two senators elected per state, the one elected first is referred to as the senior senator of that state and the other, junior.

The House of Representatives, comprised of 435 members are elected every two years. The number of representatives per state are determined by total population. The Constitution limits the number of representatives to not more than one for every 30,000 people. Representatives must be at least 25 years, have been a U.S. citizens for seven years and be a resident of the state they are elected from. In addition to representatives from each of the states, there is a Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and Delegates from the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

A Congress lasts for two years, and is divided into two sessions. Both the Senate and House of Representatives have equal legislative functions and powers (except the House may initiate revenue bills) and they are not referred to as the “upper” and/or “lower” houses. The Chief Function of Congress is the making of laws. This is especially important to maintain order within a large country. Without this order, there would be no organization, and it could be assumed that the country could not be as successful as it is because of this structure. Changing times call for changing laws. With a continual look on the present time, representatives and senators can update legislation so that it is impactful for what concerns citizens now.