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

The United States Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two distinct chambers or houses. The correct answer identifies these two parts as the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House of Representatives is composed of members who are elected to represent the population of each state, with the number of representatives per state determined by its population. This allows for a more direct representation of the electorate. On the other hand, the Senate consists of two senators from each state, providing equal representation regardless of the state’s population. This structure is designed to balance the influence of populous states with that of smaller states.

By understanding the roles of both the House and the Senate, one gains insight into how legislation is proposed, debated, and passed in the U.S. political system. The House is typically seen as the chamber closer to the people, while the Senate acts as a stabilizing force that curtails the passions of majority rule by representing states equally.