Civics question 19 of 128

What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

Source: official USCIS question list for the 2025 version of the civics test. This site is independent and not affiliated with USCIS.

Background

The two parts of Congress are the Senate and the House of Representatives. This structure is called a bicameral legislature, and it came out of a deadlock at the 1787 convention between large states that wanted representation by population and small states that wanted every state counted equally. The result gave each side one chamber. The Senate seats two members from every state regardless of size, while House seats are divided according to population. The chambers also differ in rhythm and role. Senators serve six-year terms and confirm appointments and treaties; representatives serve two years and must originate revenue bills. Both chambers have to pass the same text for a bill to become law, so neither one can legislate on its own.

This background section is written by US Citizenship Test Practice to explain the civics fact. It is not part of the USCIS question list, and the official answer above is the one to give at the interview.

Where this question sits

It is part of System of Government, inside the American Government section of the test.

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