bicameral congress - comparing both houses

Question 1

Why would the founding fathers have created a
bicameral legislature?

Answer 1

It is another form of checks and balances – a way to limit government power by limiting the concentration of power and avoid oppression and abuse of power by spreading powers over different institutions

Question 2

what is bicameralism

Answer 2

The idea that both houses of the legislature are (roughly) in balance - to check each other’s powers

Question 3

differences between both houses

Answer 3

Representation - HoR - people Senate - states
Terms of office - Senate 6, HoR - 2
Senate - More long-term view, ‘above
politics’, focus on national interest. But also more influence from pressure groups and iron
triangles, and the revolving door syndrome
HoR - Permanent campaign, highly responsive to the wishes of the people. But also short-term,
local focus.
Status and Prestige - \Senate - 2 per state, 100 in total. Well-known, prestigious. Step towards presidency for some.
Representative - 435 in total, less well-known
nationally, less prestigious. Rarely step towards
presidency.

Question 4

arguments that the senate is the most important

Answer 4

Longer term
More prestigious, well-known
Stepping stone to the presidency
(e.g. Obama)
Advice and consent powers
Final decision on impeachment

Question 5

arguments that the House is the most important

Answer 5

Representing the people (🡪‘popular sovereignty’!) more directly
Speaker is 2nd in line to the presidency
Elects the President in case of Electoral College tie
Can initiate impeachment