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

The two houses of the U.S. Congress are the Senate and the House of Representatives. This bicameral structure was established by the U.S. Constitution and is key to the legislative process in the federal government.

The Senate is composed of 100 senators, with each state represented by two senators, regardless of its population. Senators serve six-year terms, and this arrangement helps to ensure equal representation for every state in one chamber of the legislature.

The House of Representatives, on the other hand, is made up of representatives based on the population of each state, totaling 435 members. This chamber is designed to represent the electorate more directly, as members serve two-year terms.

This division into two houses allows for checks and balances within the legislative process, as both chambers must agree on legislation before it can become law. The distinct roles and structures of each house reflect the framers' intentions to balance the needs of both populous states and smaller states, providing a system of representation that involves deliberation and compromise.