Why is the United States Congress divided into two houses?
Responses
One political party sends the majority of representatives to one house, and the other political party sends the majority of representatives to the other house.
One political party sends the majority of representatives to one house, and the other political party sends the majority of representatives to the other house.
One house checks the power of the executive branch, and the other house checks the power of the judicial branch.
One house checks the power of the executive branch, and the other house checks the power of the judicial branch.
All states have equal representation in one house to benefit smaller states, and representation is based on population in the other house to satisfy larger states.
All states have equal representation in one house to benefit smaller states, and representation is based on population in the other house to satisfy larger states.
One house is made up of leaders of each state’s government and the other house is made up of nationally elected representatives.
All states have equal representation in one house to benefit smaller states, and representation is based on population in the other house to satisfy larger states.
The correct response is:
All states have equal representation in one house to benefit smaller states, and representation is based on population in the other house to satisfy larger states.
The reason why the United States Congress is divided into two houses is because the framers of the Constitution implemented a system of checks and balances. This division of power ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.
One house, the House of Representatives, is based on proportional representation. The number of representatives each state has is determined by its population, with larger states having more representatives. This ensures that the House of Representatives is representative of the people and gives more populated states a greater say in decision-making.
The other house, the Senate, provides equal representation for each state, regardless of its population. Each state elects two senators, making it a more balanced body that seeks to protect the interests of smaller states.
By having two houses with different structures of representation, the framers sought to strike a balance between the interests of smaller and larger states, while also guaranteeing that legislation would undergo thorough scrutiny and debate.
This system also allows for one house to act as a check on the other. The House of Representatives has the power to initiate revenue bills and hold impeachment proceedings, while the Senate has the power to approve or reject treaties and confirm appointments made by the President.
In summary, the division of the United States Congress into two houses serves to ensure fair representation, protect the interests of smaller states, and prevent the concentration of power in any single branch of government.