Final answer:
The legislative branch is composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together create a bicameral Congress as per the Great Compromise. The House's representation is population-based, while the Senate ensures equal representation per state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legislative branch of the United States government is a bicameral institution, meaning it is comprised of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This structure was established by the Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention and outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution. The House of Representatives is based on population, granting larger states more representation, while the Senate ensures equal representation for all states with two senators each.
The House of Representatives is made up of members elected for two-year terms. Representation is apportioned based on state populations. The leaders of the House include the Speaker of the House and majority and minority leaders. The Senate consists of 100 senators, with each state electing two for staggered six-year terms. Senate leadership includes the Vice President of the United States, who serves as President of the Senate, along with majority and minority leaders.
Both chambers of Congress utilize a system of committees to manage the vast array of legislative responsibilities. These committees specialize in different policy areas and play a crucial role in the legislative process. Each committee is led by a chairperson, usually a member of the majority party with significant seniority and expertise in the subject matter.