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

The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two distinct chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate consists of 100 members, two from each state, serving six-year terms. It is primarily responsible for representing the interests of the states in federal government decisions, confirming presidential appointments, and ratifying treaties. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, has 435 members, with the number from each state based on population. Members serve two-year terms and are responsible for initiating revenue bills and representing the interests of their constituents.

Understanding the structure of Congress is vital for grasping how legislation is created and how federal governance operates in the United States. The distinction between the two chambers highlights the checks and balances in the legislative process, which are fundamental to the functioning of American democracy.