This is Congress
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/congress-cover.jpg?w=1024)
The United States government
government
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the people who make decisions for a country, state, city, etc.
(noun)
The president is the head of the United States government.
has three branches. Congress is the legislative branch. It makes laws
law
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a rule made by the government of a country, state, city, etc.
(noun)
There is a law banning texting while driving.
. Congress is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Take a look!
This is the U.S. Capitol building.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/K10319_CMS_2_preview.jpg?w=1024)
It is in Washington, D.C. Congress has been meeting here since 1800. Leaders come together to talk about plans for laws. Then they vote on them.
The Senate is part of Congress.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/K10319_CMS_3_preview.jpg?w=1024)
Congress has 100 senators. That means there are two senators for each of the 50 states. Senators serve
serve
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to hold a job
(verb)
I serve as my class treasurer.
six-year terms.
The House of Representatives is part of Congress.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/K10319_CMS_4_preview.jpg?w=1024)
There are 435 voting members in the House of Representatives. They serve two-year terms. Some states have more representatives than others. The number depends on how many people live in the state.
Meet Nancy Pelosi
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/K10319_CMS_5_preview.jpg?w=1024)
Nancy Pelosi is Speaker of the House. That means she leads the House of Representatives. She is the first woman to have this job.