BACKGROUND: New US Senate and House of Representatives

Wed, 05 Jan 2011

Washington - The 112th US Congress that takes office on Wednesday is the country's top law-making body, consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate.

Conservative Republicans are taking over the majority of the 435- member House of Representatives, with 242 members. That includes 126 Republicans who were backed by the new arch-conservative force within the party - the Tea Party - according to a count by the Washington Post.

Democrats now hold only 193 seats in the House after suffering a historic defeat in November's congressional elections.

All representatives are elected every two years, with seats divided among the 50 states according to a population-based formula. This means more populous states have more influence. The two-year election rhythm also makes the House more responsive to shifts in popular will.

The 100-seat Senate provides a balance for smaller states. Each of the 50 states sends two senators to Washington. They serve six-year terms, also guaranteeing a more deliberative approach to issues of the day.

Left-leaning Democrats still hold a narrow majority in the Senate with 51 seats versus 47 for the Republicans, who gained clout in the November elections. Two members are independents.

All laws and budget decisions must be adopted by both houses and signed by President Barack Obama, a Democrat.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/360881,us-senate-house-representatives.html.