Federal elections in the United States are held to choose representatives for the national government, including members of the U.S. Congress and the President. These elections occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. Voters participate in selecting their preferred candidates through a secret ballot. The U.S. Congress consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Federal elections also include the Electoral College process, which determines the winner of the presidential election based on the votes cast in each state. These elections are crucial for shaping national policies and governance.