Congress: Structure and Functions
The US legislature, composed of the House of Representatives (435 members) and the Senate (100 members), responsible for making laws, controlling the budget, and checking executive power.
Real World
In 2021, the Democrat-controlled House passed the Build Back Better Act, but its fate depended entirely on the Senate's different composition and rules, demonstrating how bicameralism forces compromise between two chambers with distinct powers and constituencies.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between the exclusive powers of each chamber — Senate confirms appointments and ratifies treaties; House originates revenue bills.
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