Which two chambers make up the U.S. Congress?

The correct answer is that the U.S. Congress is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This bicameral structure was established by the Constitution and plays a crucial role in the legislative process of the United States.

The Senate consists of 100 members, two from each state, serving six-year terms. This ensures equal representation of states regardless of their population size. In contrast, the House of Representatives is composed of members based on the population of each state, totaling 435 members who serve two-year terms. This structure reflects the founding fathers' intention to balance representation between larger and smaller states while allowing for more frequent accountability through shorter terms in the House.

Understanding the composition of Congress is fundamental to grasping how federal legislation is created and how checks and balances are maintained within the U.S. government. This distinction is important for anyone studying American civics, as Congress is a central component of the federal system and the legislative branch.