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

The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two separate chambers. These two parts are the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House of Representatives is typically larger and is made up of representatives who serve based on the population of each state, with a total of 435 members. This chamber is directly accountable to the people, as representatives serve shorter terms and represent smaller districts.

The Senate, on the other hand, is composed of two senators from each state, regardless of that state’s population, totaling 100 senators. Senators serve longer terms and are intended to provide stability and continuity in governance.

Together, these two chambers are responsible for making federal laws, and each has unique powers and responsibilities, including the power to initiate revenue bills and confirm or reject presidential appointments. Understanding this structure is fundamental to comprehending how legislation is created and passed in the United States.