Many clients vent to me about stress, depression and anxiety they experience due to systemic issues in the United States, and fears about what this country is becoming. While it can be relieving to vent about these issues, I want to push people to take action. It's better to make effort to push for change than it is to do nothing. Don't be helpless. One of the best things you can do for yourself and others is to become an informed voter and push others to do the same.
The primary function of our Congress is to “provide for the common defense and the general welfare” of the American people. Congress members do so by making laws.
The U.S. Congress has two parts (aka chambers) - the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
Each state has two senators, and the number of Representatives varies. The House of Representatives has 435 members.
Whichever political party has the majority of that chamber runs all the committees and decides what bills even get on the calendar.
The Supreme Court decides what rights U.S. citizens have, according to the Constitution. The president nominates someone for the Supreme Court, and the Senate confirms the nominee.
Congressional elections happen every two years. At that time, one-third of the Senate and every seat in the House of Representatives is up for election.
Midterm congressional elections take place halfway between presidential elections. The most recent congressional elections were in November 2022. The next midterm elections will be in November 2026.
Learn about midterm elections in your state and register to vote.