Congress structure
Definition
The organization of the U.S. Congress into two chambers: the Senate, with two senators per state serving six-year terms, and the House of Representatives, with members apportioned by state population serving two-year terms. This bicameral system was created as a compromise between large and small states at the Constitutional Convention.
Examples
- California having 52 House representatives while Wyoming has only 1
- The Senate requiring 60 votes to overcome a filibuster
- Standing committees like the House Ways and Means Committee handling tax legislation
Key Fact
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) of 1787 established the bicameral structure.
Study This Concept
Practice Congress structure with free review games in these units: