Final answer:
The U.S. Congress consists of two houses: the Senate with 100 senators providing equal representation per state, and the House of Representatives with 435 members based on state population. The structure was a result of the Great Compromise to balance interests between states. Senators serve six-year terms and House members serve two-year terms, with changes in representation determined by the census every ten years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. Congress: Senate and House of Representatives
The United States Congress is a bicameral legislature formed by two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate is the upper house with equal representation from each state, totaling 100 senators, two for each of the 50 states. In contrast, the House of Representatives is the lower house with representation based on state population, totaling 435 members. These numbers result from the Great Compromise of 1787, which established the dual system of representation to balance the interests of large and small states.
The Senate's presiding officer is the Vice President of the United States, whereas the House of Representatives is led by the Speaker of the House. Senators serve six-year terms, and representatives serve two-year terms.
The apportionment of representatives is determined by the U.S. Census, which occurs every ten years. This can result in changes to the number of representatives for each state, ensuring each state's representation aligns with its current population, albeit with a guaranteed minimum of one representative per state. Since the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929, the total number of representatives has remained at 435. The bicameral structure of Congress allows for comprehensive lawmaking, with both houses required to pass legislation.