Bicameral Basics
What does “bicameral” mean?
Two chambers or houses in Congress.
Representation in the House is based on what?
Population
Each state has how many Senators?
2 Senators.
Who approves presidential appointments?
The Senate.
What were the two plans combined in the Great Compromise?
The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
Members of the House serve how long?
2-year terms.
Senators serve for how many years?
6-year terms.
Who can start revenue (tax) bills?
The House of Representatives.
Why did the Founders choose a bicameral legislature?
To balance the interests of large and small states
Which chamber was designed to be closer to the people?
The House of Representatives
Why did the Founders make the Senate smaller with longer terms?
To create stability and avoid too much public pressure.
Both houses must do what for a bill to become law?
Approve or pass it.