How many chambers make up the United States Congress?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

The United States Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This structure was established by the Constitution and reflects a compromise between those who favored representation based on population (House of Representatives) and those who favored equal representation for each state regardless of size (Senate). Each chamber has distinct powers and responsibilities, which contribute to the system of checks and balances that ensures no single entity has unchecked authority within the federal government. While the option indicating one, three, or four chambers suggests a misunderstanding of Congress’s structure, the correct answer recognizes the fundamental organization of Congress that has been in place since the founding of the United States.