Federal laws in the United States are made by the United States Congress, which is the legislative branch of the federal government. Congress is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Both houses must approve a bill for it to become law. After approval by both the House and Senate, the bill is sent to the President, who can either sign it into law or veto it. If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a sufficient majority vote
. Key points about Congress and federal lawmaking include:
- The House of Representatives has 435 voting members, with representation based on state population. Representatives serve two-year terms
- The Senate has 100 members, with two senators from each state regardless of population. Senators serve six-year terms
- Only the House can originate revenue and appropriation bills, while the Senate has special roles such as approving presidential nominations and treaties
- Once a bill becomes law, it is codified in the United States Code and published officially
Thus, the federal laws are made through the legislative process conducted by Congress—the House of Representatives and the Senate—under the constitutional framework
