What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

The United States Congress is composed of two distinct chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This bicameral structure is established in the U.S. Constitution and is designed to ensure a system of checks and balances in the legislative process.

The Senate consists of 100 members, with two senators from each state, serving staggered six-year terms. This arrangement helps to provide equal representation for each state, regardless of population size. In contrast, the House of Representatives is made up of 435 members whose representation is based on the population of each state, with representatives serving two-year terms. This structure reflects the democratic principle that elected officials should be accountable to the populace.

Understanding the roles and functions of these two chambers is crucial for grasping how legislation is proposed, debated, and enacted at the federal level in the United States. Each chamber has its own unique powers and responsibilities, contributing to the overall functionality of the government.