Which two houses form the United States Congress?

The United States Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it is comprised of two distinct chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This structure was established by the Constitution and is fundamental to the legislative process in the United States.

The Senate is composed of two senators from each state, regardless of population, leading to equal representation for each state. This was designed to balance the influence of populous states against smaller ones. Senators serve longer terms than members of the House, reflecting their role in providing stability and continuity in governance.

The House of Representatives, on the other hand, is composed of representatives based on each state's population, with larger populations yielding more representatives. This chamber is intended to be more responsive to the changing views and needs of the public, as members serve shorter terms and are elected more frequently.

Together, these two houses work to create, debate, and pass legislation, thereby fulfilling the legislative branch's role in the federal government. The existence of both houses ensures a system of checks and balances, as legislation must be approved by both the Senate and the House before it can be enacted into law. This dynamic helps to reflect diverse interests and fosters comprehensive debate over national policies.