What is 'the House' in American politics?

The American political system has three centres of power: the President and the two chambers in the American Congress the - Senate and the House of Representatives. 'The House' is the bigger body because congressmen are elected at a local level while the Senate consists of two senators from each State.


At present the Presidency & the Senate are controlled by the Democrats. The Republicans have a majority in the House. Legislation has to pass from the House to the Senate and finally to the President. 


Because the two main parties (the Republicans & the Democrats) have major philosophical differences (listen to a short explanation here) most legislation is contested.


Basics of American Politics (14th Edition)
The Complete Idiot's Guide to U.S. Government and Politics