Congress of the United States makes the nation's laws. Congress consists of two bodies, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both bodies have about equal power. The people elect the members of Congress.

Although Congress's most important task is making laws, it also has other major duties. For example, the Senate approves or rejects the U.S. president's choices for the heads of government departments, Supreme Court justices, and certain other high-ranking jobs. The Senate also approves or rejects treaties that the president makes.

Each member of Congress represents many citizens. Therefore, members must know the views of the voters and be guided by those views when considering proposed laws. Being a member of Congress also means answering citizens' letters, appearing at local events, and having local offices to handle people's problems with the government.