States with large populations have more representatives. For example, California has 52 Representatives, while North Dakota has just one. According to Representative Frank McCloskey of Indiana, working in Congress can be tough. Most people in Congress are hardworking and cooperative. Each year, they consider more than 10,000 bills.
Bills are proposals for new laws.
Only about 650 of those bills ever become law. To make sure each bill is studied carefully, both the Senate and House have committees. Each committee studies bills that deal with a special topic, such as taxes, farming, or the environment. If a committee likes a bill, they present it to the rest of the House or Senate. Then, if the Senate and House both approve the bill, it is sent to the president to sign.