U.S. Citizenship Civics Test · Civics (American Government, History, Symbols and Holidays)
U.S. Citizenship Civics Test: Congress (Legislative Branch) Concepts
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Overview
This chapter is about the legislative branch, called Congress. You will learn the three branches of government, the two parts of Congress, how many members each part has, how long they serve, and whom they represent. Many test questions in this chapter ask for a number, so it helps to learn the numbers as pairs.
The three branches are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Congress is the legislative branch, and it writes federal laws. It also declares war and makes the federal budget. Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Senate has 100 senators, two from each state, and each senator serves a six-year term. Every state has two senators, no matter its size, to give equal representation to small states. This idea came from the Great Compromise. Senators represent and are elected by the people of their whole state.
The House of Representatives has 435 voting members, and each serves a two-year term. The short term helps representatives closely follow public opinion. Each representative is elected by and represents the people of a congressional district. States with more people have more representatives, so the number of seats depends on a state's population.
Key concepts
Congress
The legislative branch of the federal government. It writes laws, declares war, and makes the federal budget. It has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Memory tipCongress = the lawmakers.
Senate
The part of Congress with 100 senators, two from each state. Senators serve six-year terms and represent the people of their whole state.
Memory tipSenate: 100 members, 6 years, 2 per state.
Source: USCIS, 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version) · as of 2025
House of Representatives
The part of Congress with 435 voting members. Representatives serve two-year terms and represent the people in their congressional district.
Memory tipHouse: 435 members, 2 years, by district.
Source: USCIS, 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version) · as of 2025
Great Compromise
The agreement that gave every state two senators, for equal representation, while the number of House seats depends on population.
Memory tipSenate is equal for all states; House is based on people.
Congressional district
An area of a state that elects one member of the House of Representatives. States with more people have more districts.
Memory tipDistrict = House member. Whole state = senator.
Often tested
- The three branches are legislative, executive, and judicial.
- There are 100 senators, and each state has two.
- A senator's term is six years; a representative's term is two years.
- There are 435 voting members of the House.
- States with more people have more representatives.
Easy to confuse: Senate vs. House
| Topic | Senate | House of Representatives |
|---|---|---|
| Members | 100 (2 per state) | 435 voting members |
| Term | 6 years | 2 years |
| Represents | People of the whole state | People of a congressional district |