THE ROLE OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE Congress is the foundation of the constitutional framework. Here, the people speak through their representatives and senators. Article I—the longest article of the Constitution—describes congressional powers. Congress is divided into two institutions: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Tax bills must begin in the House. The Senate approves treaties with foreign governments and reviews presidential appointees to public office. Together, these two bodies share the work of passing laws, levying taxes, providing for the nation’s defense, and declaring war. They also share the power to remove federal officers, up to and including the president and the justices of the Supreme Court.