U.S. Congress Structure and Roles

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Representative requirements

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- At least 25 years old - U.S. citizen for at least 7 years - Legal resident of the state - Two-year term - Elected by a district - Representation apportioned by population

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Senator requirements

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- At least 30 years old - U.S. citizen for at least 9 years - Legal resident of the state - Six-year term - Elected at-large - Two from each state

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Speaker of the House

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Leads the House of Representatives and is supported by Majority and Minority Leaders, Whips, and Deputy Whips.

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Unanimous Consent in Senate

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A procedure where no member objects to a proposal, allowing for a floor vote.

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Filibuster in Senate

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Requires at least 60 votes for cloture to end debate; less than 60 votes means the bill dies.

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Standing Committees

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Permanent committees where the House and Senate create their own.

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Conference Committees

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Temporary committees to resolve differences between versions of a bill passed in each house; made up of members from both houses.

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Majority Leader

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Assists the Speaker of the House and leads the majority party.

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Minority Leader

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Leads the minority party in the House of Representatives.

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Majority Whip

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Assists the Majority Leader in managing the party's legislative program.