Congress is the national legislature of the United States, consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives with 435 members and the Senate with 100 members. The two houses provide checks and balances and allow for representation of both large and small states. Members of Congress earn $158,000 annually and serve two-year terms, with the 111th Congress running from 2008 to 2010 and meeting in sessions while having the power to adjourn or be called to special sessions by the President.