Study GuideAmerican Government–Congress1.The Two Houses of CongressCongress hastwo chambers: theSenateand theHouse of Representatives.•TheSenateis often called theupper chamber.•TheHouseis called thelower chamber.The Founders believed these two chambers would attractdifferent types of peopleand servedifferent purposes.1.1The House of RepresentaƟves•Members of the House areelected every two years.•They representsmaller districts, so the Founders thought they would staycloser to thepeople.•Because of frequent elections, House members must respond to their constituents’ needsquickly.The House tends to berowdier and more competitive, which allowsstrong, confrontationalleaders—like former Speaker Newt Gingrich—to rise in influence.1.2The Senate•Senators servesix-year termsand wereoriginally chosen by state legislatures(before1913).•There werestricter eligibility requirements, so the Founders thought the Senate wouldrepresent thenation’s wealthy and established interests.The Senate is moredeliberative, with rules designed toencourage debate. Its traditions and normsgive it the feel of anexclusive club, promotingpolished and thoughtful discussion.Preview Mode
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