After reading this chapter, you will be able to do the following:

• Describe how Congress is designed, including its various constitutional powers and the differences between the two chambers.
• Identify the obstacles to winning a seat in Congress, the factors that influence an individual’s decision to run, and the resources and skills that successful candidates need.
• List the primary organizational features of Congress, including the role of chamber leaders, political parties, committees, and congressional norms.
• Explain the steps of the legislative process and how it can diverge from traditional “textbook” descriptions.
• Connect the issues surrounding the representation of women in Congress to the challenges involving representation of other individuals in America.