The U.S. Congress is a key part of the national government, as described in the Constitution. This article will help you understand how Congress is organized, what it does, and its historical background. We’ll focus on its two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Congress is a bicameral legislature, which means it has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. According to Article I, Section I of the Constitution, “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.”
To be a member of the House, you must be at least 25 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for seven years, and live in the state you represent. The number of representatives each state has is based on its population, with a total of 435 members. Smaller states like Vermont and Wyoming have one representative each, while California, the most populous state, has 52.
The Senate has two senators from each state, making a total of 100 members. To be a senator, you must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for nine years, and live in the state you represent. Originally, state legislatures chose senators, but the 17th Amendment changed this to allow people to vote for their senators directly.
Both houses of Congress make laws, but the Constitution gives them specific powers.
The framers of the Constitution created a bicameral legislature for both historical and practical reasons.
During the Constitutional Convention, larger states wanted representation based on population, while smaller states wanted equal representation. This led to the Connecticut Compromise, which created a House with proportional representation and a Senate with equal representation.
Having two houses in Congress acts as a check on legislative power. James Madison, in Federalist 51, argued that dividing the legislature into different branches would prevent any one group from gaining too much power. This idea is known as an intrabranch check, which is a key part of the system of checks and balances.
The framers designed the Senate to be a more thoughtful body, less influenced by public opinion, while the House is meant to be more responsive to the people. Senators serve six-year terms, allowing them to focus on long-term interests, while House members serve two-year terms, making them more accountable to their constituents.
The U.S. Congress, with its bicameral structure, plays a crucial role in making laws. Understanding the different powers and functions of the House of Representatives and the Senate helps us see how American democracy works. Future discussions will explore how these two houses work together—or sometimes don’t—in the legislative process.
Engage in a class debate on the advantages and disadvantages of a bicameral legislature. Divide into two groups: one supporting the current bicameral system and the other advocating for a unicameral system. Use historical and practical reasons from the article to support your arguments.
Simulate a congressional session where you draft and debate a bill. Assign roles such as House representatives, senators, and committee members. Experience firsthand the legislative process and the unique powers of each house, such as revenue bills starting in the House.
Conduct a research project on the Connecticut Compromise. Explore its historical context and significance in shaping the U.S. Congress. Present your findings in a multimedia presentation, highlighting how it resolved the conflict between large and small states.
Participate in a role-playing activity to understand the impeachment process. Assign roles such as House members, senators, and the Chief Justice. Conduct a mock impeachment trial, illustrating the distinct roles of the House and Senate in this process.
Read and analyze excerpts from Federalist 51. Discuss in small groups how James Madison’s ideas on checks and balances and the separation of powers apply to the bicameral structure of Congress. Reflect on how these principles are relevant today.
Congress – The national legislative body of a country, particularly in the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. – The United States Congress convenes to discuss and pass federal laws that affect the entire nation.
Legislature – A governmental body primarily responsible for the making of laws. – The state legislature passed a new bill to improve public education funding.
Representatives – Members of a legislative body who are elected to act on behalf of their constituents. – The representatives from each district gathered to debate the proposed environmental regulations.
Senators – Members of the Senate, the upper chamber of the United States Congress, who are elected to represent their states. – The senators voted on the new healthcare reform bill after extensive deliberation.
Impeachment – The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official as a step towards removal from office. – The impeachment of the president was a significant event that captured national attention.
Elections – The formal process through which citizens vote to choose their leaders or decide on policy issues. – The upcoming elections will determine the new mayor and city council members.
Treaties – Formal agreements between countries that are negotiated and ratified by their governments. – The treaty between the two nations was signed to promote trade and ensure mutual security.
Powers – The legal authority or capacity to perform actions or make decisions, often referring to governmental or political authority. – The separation of powers is a fundamental principle in the United States Constitution to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Representation – The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so represented, especially in a legislative context. – The concept of representation ensures that citizens have a voice in government through their elected officials.
Democracy – A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. – Democracy allows citizens to participate in the decision-making process through voting and civic engagement.
