<P> The members of the House of Representatives serve two - year terms representing the people of a single constituency, known as a "district". Congressional districts are apportioned to states by population using the United States Census results, provided that each state has at least one congressional representative . Each state, regardless of population or size, has two senators . Currently, there are 100 senators representing the 50 states . Each senator is elected at - large in their state for a six - year term, with terms staggered, so every two years approximately one - third of the Senate is up for election . </P> <P> To be eligible for election, a candidate must be aged at least 25 (House) or 30 (Senate), have been a citizen of the United States for seven (House) or nine (Senate) years, and be an inhabitant of the state of which they represent . </P> <P> The Congress was created by the Constitution of the United States and first met in 1789, replacing in its legislative function the Congress of the Confederation . Although not constitutionally mandated, in practice since the 19th century, Congress members are typically affiliated to the Republican Party or to the Democratic Party and only rarely to a third party or as independents . </P> <P> Article One of the United States Constitution states, "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives ." The House and Senate are equal partners in the legislative process--legislation cannot be enacted without the consent of both chambers . However, the Constitution grants each chamber some unique powers . The Senate ratifies treaties and approves presidential appointments while the House initiates revenue - raising bills . The House initiates impeachment cases, while the Senate decides impeachment cases . A two - thirds vote of the Senate is required before an impeached person can be forcibly removed from office . </P>

The senate is part of what branch of government
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