Simone Lawson
The structure of Congress was a contentious issue among the framers of the US Constitution, with the smaller states favouring the New Jersey Plan, which called for a unicameral Congress with equal representation for the states, and the larger states supporting the Virginia Plan, which proposed a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal state representation in the Senate. The framers ultimately reached the Connecticut Compromise or Great Compromise, under which the House of Representatives would provide representation proportional to each state's population, and the Senate would have equal representation for each state. The presiding officer and president of the Senate is the vice president of the United States, who may only vote in the case of a tie. The presiding officer of the House of Representatives is the speaker of the House, who is elected by the members thereof.
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What You'll Learn
The House of Representatives is led by the Speaker of the House
The Speaker of the House is part of the House leadership, which also includes the majority and minority leaders, assistant leaders, whips, and a party caucus or conference. The majority and minority leaders represent their respective parties on the House floor, while the whips assist the leadership in managing their party's legislative program. The party caucus or conference refers to a meeting of all party members in the House, where they discuss matters of concern.
The House of Representatives, often referred to as the lower house, was established as part of the Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise. This agreement ensured that the House would provide representation proportional to each state's population, while the Senate would provide equal representation. This compromise was outlined in Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution, which also sets the qualifications for representatives, including minimum age, citizenship, and residency requirements.
The House of Representatives plays a crucial role in the legislative process, with the power to originate revenue legislation. While both the House and the Senate have the constitutional authority to make their own rules, the House generally allows a numerical majority to process legislation more quickly. This distinction influences the dynamics between the two chambers and shapes the way policies are formed and enacted.
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The House represents citizens based on district populations
The United States Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 2, outlines the framework for the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the House representing citizens based on district populations and the Senate providing equal representation for each state. This arrangement, known as "The Great Compromise", was designed to balance the interests of the states with those of the popular majorities.
The House, often referred to as the lower house, is composed of members representing districts with a set number of constituents. Each representative must meet the qualifications outlined in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, which include being at least 25 years old, a US citizen for at least seven years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent. While members are not required to live in the districts they represent, it is a common tradition.
The number of representatives in the House is proportional to each state's population, with each state having at least one representative. Currently, there are 435 population-based districts, and members serve two-year terms. The House is led by the speaker, who combines various institutional and administrative roles, as well as the majority and minority leaders who represent their respective parties.
The House's representation based on district populations ensures that citizens across different geographical areas are proportionally represented in the legislative process. This allows for a more accurate reflection of the diverse demographics and interests of the country's population. Each representative in the House speaks for a specific number of people, ensuring that the voices of their constituents are heard and considered in the creation and passing of laws.
The House's role in originating revenue legislation and processing legislation quickly through numerical majority further underscores the importance of its citizen representation based on district populations. This enables the House to effectively address issues that impact the people they represent and respond to their needs and concerns. The House's ability to act as a check and balance on the Senate's power also contributes to a more balanced legislative process.
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The Senate is presided over by the Vice President
The Convention reached what became known as the Connecticut Compromise, or the Great Compromise, which agreed on a proportional representation system for the House, based on district populations, and equal representation amongst the states for the Senate. This agreement was formalised in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, which also sets out the three qualifications for representatives: a minimum age of 25, US citizenship for at least seven years, and residency in the state they represent.
The Vice President's role as President of the Senate is largely ceremonial. They do not represent a particular state and do not have a vote unless there is a tie. The Senate is led by party leaders, chosen by members of their own caucus, and the majority party leaders have the power to set the policy agenda and decide which proposals will be considered.
The Senate's legislative function is distinct from that of the House, favouring deliberation over quick action, and providing procedural leverage to individual senators. While the House can originate revenue legislation, the Senate confirms presidential nominations and approves treaties. For a law to be enacted, both chambers must agree to the same bill, which is then presented to the President.
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Senators are elected by their states and serve six-year terms
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral United States Congress, with the U.S. House of Representatives being the lower house. The Senate and House have the authority under Article One of the U.S. Constitution to pass or defeat federal legislation. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution, which has been in continuous effect since March 4, 1789.
Each of the 50 states is represented by two senators who serve staggered six-year terms. In total, the Senate consists of 100 members. The Constitution sets out three qualifications for service in the U.S. Senate: a senator must be at least thirty years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and be a resident of the state they represent at the time of election.
The Senate's six-year terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the seats are up for election every two years. This arrangement was first achieved by dividing the senators of the 1st Congress into thirds (called classes), where the terms of one-third expired after two years, another third expired after four, and the final third expired after six years. This arrangement was also followed after the admission of new states into the union.
The Constitution does not provide a limit to the number of terms a senator may serve. A senator elected in a special election takes office as soon as possible after the election and serves until the original six-year term expires.
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The Senate has 100 senators, two from each state
The United States Senate is comprised of 100 senators, with two senators representing each of the 50 states. This is in accordance with the Connecticut Compromise, also known as The Great Compromise, which was agreed upon by the framers of the Constitution. This agreement was reached after small states threatened to secede in 1787, unwilling to give up their equal power with larger states. As a result, it was decided that each state, regardless of population, would be represented by two senators.
The Senate was formed in 1789, modelled after the ancient Roman Senate, with the name derived from the Latin "senatus", meaning council of elders. Senators serve terms of six years, and elections are staggered so that approximately one-third of the seats are up for election every two years.
The Senate and the House of Representatives make up the two chambers of Congress. While the House provides representation proportional to each state's population, the Senate ensures equal representation among the states. This was outlined in Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution, which also sets the minimum and maximum sizes for the House of Representatives.
The Constitution further stipulates in Article Five that no constitutional amendment may be created to deprive a state of its equal suffrage in the Senate without that state's consent. This provision underscores the importance of maintaining equal representation for each state in the Senate.
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Frequently asked questions
The House of Representatives is commonly referred to as the lower house. The presiding officer is the speaker of the House, who is elected by the members. The House represents citizens based on district populations.
The Senate is referred to as the upper house. The Senate elects its officers, who are responsible for maintaining order and decorum, managing and scheduling legislative and executive business, and interpreting the Senate's rules. The vice president of the United States serves as the president of the Senate and may vote in the case of a tie. The Senate represents citizens on an equal state basis.
The House of Representatives provides representation proportional to each state's population, whereas the Senate provides equal representation to each state. The House is also referred to as the more democratic or popular branch of Congress.
