Lesson 68 of 84 · Government Systems
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareCongress: The Senate and the House
Congress, the legislative branch of the U.
🎯 Your mission
Decide what YOU would do in their shoes.
⚡ The twist
A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Women in New Zealand could vote 27 years before women in the US.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. government, is divided into two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate consists of 100 members, with each state represented by two senators, serving six-year terms. In contrast, the House of Representatives has 435 members, with the number from each state determined by its population, and they serve two-year terms. This bicameral structure ensures a balance of representation, with the Senate often serving as a stabilizing force, while the House is more responsive to the public's immediate concerns. Together, they work to draft, debate, and pass legislation.
Key Facts
The Senate has 100 members, two from each state.
The House of Representatives has 435 members, based on state population.
Senators serve six-year terms, while House members serve two-year terms.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2How many members are in the Senate?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Make up a fair rule for your family. Pitch it.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
Next Smart Lesson
We'll pick a lesson that matches exactly where your understanding is right now.
Share this lesson
Send it to a parent looking for a 5-minute “why does that matter?” conversation starter.