Bar Exam Practice Questions 2025 - Free Bar Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The structure of the United States Congress is defined as a bicameral legislature, consisting of two separate chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This design was established by the U.S. Constitution and is intended to balance the interests of the populous states with those of the smaller states.

The House of Representatives is made up of members who serve two-year terms and are apportioned based on the population of each state, ensuring that more populous states have greater representation. On the other hand, the Senate is composed of two senators from each state, regardless of population, who serve six-year terms. This arrangement allows each state equal representation in the Senate, thereby protecting the interests of smaller states.

This bicameral structure facilitates a system of checks and balances within the legislative process, as both chambers must agree on legislation before it can become law. Additionally, the different terms and structures of the two chambers contribute to a more thorough debate and consideration of legislative proposals.

Options indicating a single legislative body, a parliamentary system, or a council of governors misrepresent the framework established by the Constitution, as they do not align with the dual-chamber system that characterizes Congress.