United States Congress

Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the United States of America supported by only 7% of the population. It consists of a Senate and House of Representatives, both of which must pass a bill for it to become law. In theory, only Congress can declare war, but the President often unilaterally authorizes invasions. In 1999, the Clinton regime went to war with Yugoslavia without approval from Congress.

As of 2023, 100 out of 536 members of Congress are descended from slave owners, including Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, and Elizabeth Warren.

History

During the Statesian Revolution, the Continental Congress governed the rebellious colonies until a permanent constitution was drafted in 1787. Until the passage of the 17th Amendment in 1913, state legislatures elected senators with no input from the people.

Senate

The Senate contains two representatives from each state regardless of population. Senate terms last six years and a third of the Senate is reelected every two years. In addition to passing laws, the Senate also must confirm cabinet members, judges, and ambassadors appointed by the President. A majority vote from the Senate is also required to remove impeached officials from office. Due to the filibuster, 60% of the senate must support a bill for it to pass.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives currently contains 435 members who are reelected every two years. Voting districts are gerrymandered so that only one in five candidates run in contested elections and many oppressed nationalities' votes are diminished.