Structure & Composition: Section III.B.2

​The Legislative Branch is one of the three branches of the United States government, responsible for creating and passing laws that govern the country. The Legislative Branch is composed of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with its own unique structure and composition. The House of Representatives has 435 members, with each member representing a specific geographic district based on population. The number of representatives for each state is determined by the state's population. Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms, and elections are held every even-numbered year. The Senate, on the other hand, has 100 members, with two senators representing each state. Members of the Senate serve six-year terms, and elections are staggered so that one-third of the seats are up for election every two years. Unlike the House of Representatives, the Senate is designed to be a more deliberative body, with a focus on long-term policy making and oversight. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have their own leadership structures, including a Speaker of the House, a Majority Leader, and a Minority Leader. These leaders are responsible for managing the legislative agenda, guiding the legislative process, and negotiating with other branches of government. Overall, the structure and composition of the Legislative Branch is designed to ensure that all Americans are represented in the federal government and that their voices are heard in the policy-making process. Through its commitment to republic principles and its focus on representation and deliberation, the Legislative Branch plays a vital role in ensuring the continued success and stability of the American republic.