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

The structure of the U.S. Congress consists of two distinct chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This bicameral system is designed to balance representation and checks within the legislative process.

The House of Representatives is made up of members who are elected to serve two-year terms, with the number of representatives from each state determined by its population. This chamber is often seen as more responsive to the public's immediate preferences.

The Senate, on the other hand, comprises two senators from each state, regardless of population, serving staggered six-year terms. This design helps ensure that smaller states have a voice in the legislative process and promotes stability, as not all senators are up for election at the same time.

This two-part structure plays a critical role in how laws are proposed, debated, and passed, with both chambers needing to agree for legislation to become law. The division allows for a more thorough deliberation of issues, as each chamber can specialize in different areas while still holding the other in check.