Congress Basics
What are the two chambers of Congress?
The House of Representatives and the Senate.
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
435 voting members.
How many senators does each state receive?
Two senators.
Which chamber has shorter terms?
The House of Representatives.
If every state received the same number of House members, what would no longer determine House representation?
Population.
What does bicameral mean?
A legislature divided into two chambers.
How long is one term for a House member?
Two years.
How long is one term for a senator?
Six years.
Which chamber provides greater stability through longer terms?
The Senate.
If senators were assigned according to population, what form of representation would disappear?
Equal state representation.
Why must the House and Senate normally approve the same version of a bill?
It requires agreement, additional review, and compromise between both chambers.
Why is House representation based on state population?
It gives areas with more people more representation in Congress.
Why does every state receive the same number of senators?
To provide equal state representation regardless of population.
Why are House terms shorter than Senate terms?
Short House terms encourage responsiveness, while longer Senate terms provide stability and longer-term thinking.
What could happen if House members no longer faced election every two years?
They could become less responsive to current voters, although longer terms might provide more stability.
The House and Senate approve different versions of a bill. Can it be sent to the president? Explain.
No. The chambers must resolve their differences and approve the same version.
A state has a large population increase. Which chamber could eventually give it more representation, and why?
The House, because House seats are based on population.
A small state worries that large states will control Congress. Which chamber protects its equal voice? Explain.
The Senate, because every state receives two senators.
A popular idea suddenly gains support. Which chamber may feel pressure to respond more quickly, and why?
The House, because its members face voters every two years.
What would large states lose if Congress kept only the Senate?
Population-based representation. Large and small states would have the same number of lawmakers.
A bill passes the House by a large vote, but the Senate rejects it. A student says the bill should still pass because the House has more members. Is the student correct? Explain.
No. The House and Senate must approve the same bill separately. The House’s larger membership cannot overrule the Senate.
Congress may change House terms from two years to six years. Give one benefit, one problem, and your recommendation.
Benefit: more stability or less campaigning. Problem: members could become less responsive to voters. Recommendations may vary if supported.
Congress may change Senate terms from six years to two years. Give one benefit, one problem, and your recommendation.
Benefit: senators could respond more frequently to voters. Problem: less stability and more election pressure. Recommendations may vary if supported.
How do representation and term lengths balance population, state equality, responsiveness, and stability?
The House represents population and uses shorter terms for responsiveness. The Senate represents states equally and uses longer terms for stability.
Congress eliminates the Senate and keeps only the House. Identify one benefit, one major problem, and decide whether this would improve Congress.
Benefit: faster or simpler lawmaking. Problem: equal state representation and an additional check would disappear. The decision must use accurate evidence.