Britannica
Sources used in this answer
- House of Representatives - Constitutional framework
- Text of the Constitution of the United States - Section 2
- Text of the Constitution of the United States - Section 3
- Constitution of the United States of America - Constitutional Convention
- 14 Questions About Government in the United States Answered - What is the difference between a U.S. senator and a U.S. representative?
- United States Senate - Constitutional framework
How does Article I of the U.S. Constitution divide representation between the House and Senate?
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constitution
Original copy of the Constitution of the United States of America, housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Article I of the U.S. Constitution establishes a bicameral legislature, resolving debates over representation through the Great Compromise. This framework divides representation between the two chambers as follows:
- House of Representatives: Representation is based on the population of each state. Seats are apportioned according to the number of inhabitants, with each state guaranteed at least one representative. This chamber was designed to represent the popular will, with members serving two-year terms.123
- Senate: Representation is equal for every state, regardless of its size or population. Each state is allotted two senators, who serve six-year terms.4562
This structure ensures that while the House reflects the proportional interests of the population, the Senate provides a check on that power by granting every state an equal voice in the federal government.15