Understanding Congress
How Congress Works
Explore the legislative branch of the U.S. government through interactive visualizations. Learn how laws are made, understand the differences between chambers, and discover who leads Congress.
The Legislative Process
How a Bill Becomes Law
Follow the journey of legislation from idea to law through seven key stages
Two Chambers
House vs Senate
Compare the two chambers of Congress and understand their unique roles
Category
House of Representatives
Senate
The Committee System
Congressional Committees
Committees are where the real work happens. They review bills, hold hearings, and shape legislation before it reaches the floor.
CongressCommitteesSubcommittees
Standing Committees
Permanent committees with legislative jurisdiction
House Ways and MeansSenate JudiciaryHouse Armed Services
Select & Special Committees
Temporary committees for specific investigations
Select Committee on the Climate CrisisSelect Committee on Intelligence
Joint Committees
Include members from both House and Senate
Joint Economic CommitteeJoint Committee on Taxation
Subcommittees
Specialized divisions within larger committees
Subcommittee on Health (Ways and Means)Subcommittee on Aviation (Transportation)
Congressional Leadership
Who Leads Congress?
Understanding the hierarchy of power in both chambers
Top Leadership
Speaker of the House
HouseThe most powerful position in the House and second in presidential succession
President of the Senate
SenateThe Vice President serves as the presiding officer of the Senate
Party Leaders
Senate Majority Leader
SenateThe most powerful Senator, controlling the floor schedule
House Majority Leader
HouseThe second-ranking member of the majority party in the House
Senate Minority Leader
SenateLeader of the minority party in the Senate
House Minority Leader
HouseLeader of the minority party in the House
Party Whips
Senate Majority Whip
SenateCounts votes and ensures majority party members vote together
House Majority Whip
HouseCounts votes and ensures majority party members vote together
Senate Minority Whip
SenateCounts votes and ensures minority party members vote together
House Minority Whip
HouseCounts votes and ensures minority party members vote together
Ready to Explore Congress?
Now that you understand how Congress works, dive into the real data. Explore current legislation, meet your representatives, and track congressional activity.