The legislative branch of the U.S. government, known as Congress, consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. These chambers, while equal in legislative power, differ in their composition, election processes, and responsibilities. Together, they form a bicameral legislature designed to balance the interests of both the population and the states.
The House of Representatives, often referred to as the lower house, is composed of members elected from districts within each state. These districts are drawn to represent approximately equal populations and are adjusted every ten years based on the results of the U.S. Census. States with larger populations are allocated more districts, resulting in a greater number of representatives. Members of the House serve two-year terms, making them more directly accountable to their constituents. The House is led by the Speaker of the House, an influential position typically held by the leader of the majority party. The Speaker plays a central role in setting the legislative agenda and guiding the work of the chamber.
The Senate, or upper house, represents the states equally, with each state electing two senators, regardless of population size. This arrangement ensures that smaller states have the same level of representation as larger ones in this chamber. Senators serve six-year terms, with elections staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for reelection every two years. This longer term provides stability and allows senators to focus on broader, long-term issues. Unlike the House, where representatives are elected from districts, senators are elected by all voters in their respective states.
The powers of Congress are enumerated in Article I of the U.S. Constitution. These powers, known as enumerated powers, include critical functions such as the ability to tax, regulate commerce, coin money, maintain the military, declare war, admit new states, and approve treaties. The elastic clause (also called the Necessary and Proper Clause) grants Congress the flexibility to expand its powers to address issues not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, allowing it to adapt to changing circumstances.
While most powers are shared by both chambers, some responsibilities are unique to each. For example, the House of Representatives has the exclusive power to introduce revenue bills and initiate impeachment proceedings. The Senate, on the other hand, holds the sole authority to approve treaties and confirm presidential appointments, such as judges and cabinet members. Additionally, the Senate acts as the jury in impeachment trials, determining whether to convict and remove officials from office.
This structure ensures a system of checks and balances within the legislative process. Bills must be approved by both chambers before becoming law, requiring cooperation and compromise. This dual-chambered approach reflects the framers’ intent to create a legislature that represents both the people directly (through the House) and the states as equal entities (through the Senate), safeguarding the principles of federalism and democracy.
QUESTIONS
Instructions: Refer to the map to answer the following questions. Select the best option for each question.
- At the start of the 113th Congress on January 3, 2013, California had 53 representatives. What does this suggest?
A. California had the largest population of any state when the Constitution was ratified.
B. California’s population was the highest among all states during this session of Congress.
C. California had the highest voter turnout in the 2012 presidential election.
D. California has the largest land area of any state in the United States. - Based on the map, what conclusion can you draw?
A. Texas has always had 36 representatives due to its large size.
B. Some states will permanently have the most representatives.
C. The number of representatives per state can change every decade based on census data.
D. States in the western U.S., such as California and Oregon, consistently have more representatives than eastern states. - Which state experienced the largest increase in representatives in 2010?
A. California
B. Florida
C. Georgia
D. New York
ANSWERS
SECTION 5: Legislative Branch
- California had 53 representatives. What does this suggest?
Answer: B. California’s population was the highest among all states during this session of Congress.
Explanation: The number of representatives per state is determined by population, with California being the most populous state at the time. - Conclusion based on the map:
Answer: C. The number of representatives per state can change every decade based on census data.
Explanation: Representation is adjusted after each census to reflect population changes.
Which state experienced the largest increase in representatives in 2010?
Answer: B. Florida
Explanation: Census data from 2010 showed Florida’s population growth led to increased representation.