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How do members of the Senate and House of Representatives represent the people of their state differently?

a) A senator always represents the entire state.
b) A senator represents a district in one part of the state.
c) A member of the House always represents the entire state.
d) A senator is elected by the state legislature.

User Books
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Final answer:

Senators represent their entire state and serve six-year terms, which gives them a broader perspective and more stable policymaking. House members represent specific congressional districts and serve two-year terms, which keeps them closely connected to the immediate concerns of their local constituents.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main difference in how members of the Senate and House of Representatives represent the people of their state lies in the scope of their constituencies and term lengths. A senator always represents the entire state, reflecting the interests of the state as a whole when considering legislation. This broader perspective is a result of both the larger number of constituents a senator represents and the law that mandates a senator's six-year term, which allows for a less frequent need to campaign and possibly more stable policymaking. In contrast, a member of the House of Representatives represents a specific congressional district within their state, focusing on the interests and needs of the more localized constituency of that district. House members serve two-year terms, ensuring they remain closely connected with their local constituents' immediate concerns and interests.

Historically, senators were elected by state legislatures, but since the approval of the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913, they are elected by popular vote. Regarding the distribution of House representatives, states are apportioned seats based on their population, with each state guaranteed at least one House member. Currently, the House of Representatives consists of 435 members who are always 'running for election' due to their two-year term, which contrasts with the senate's six-year term.

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