Congress: Senate & House
Congress makes federal laws. It has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This session covers how many of each, how long they serve, and who they represent. Take the numbers one at a time.
Study guide › 2008 test (100 questions) › Topic 4 of 16
Congress: Senate & House
8 official civics questions from the 2008 version (100 questions) of the USCIS naturalization test — the 2008 test applies if USCIS received your Form N-400 before October 20, 2025. Topic area: american government — b: system of government. On test day the officer asks up to 10 questions from the full bank of 100 and you need 6 correct.
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Free lesson: Congress: Senate & House
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Q16. Who makes federal laws?
Question: Who makes federal laws? The accepted answer is: Congress | Senate and House (of Representatives) | (U.S. or national) legislature. Congress makes the federal laws — Senate and House together. Congress makes the laws.
Q17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Question: What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? The accepted answer is: the Senate and House (of Representatives). Two parts of Congress: Senate and House of Representatives. Two chambers: the Senate (100) and the House (435).
Q18. How many U.S. Senators are there?
Question: How many U.S. Senators are there? The accepted answer is: one hundred (100). 100 Senators — 2 per state, 50 states. 2 senators × 50 states = 100.
Q19. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
Question: We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years? The accepted answer is: six (6). Senators serve SIX years — senators, six, same S sound. Senators serve SIX years (senators = six).
Q21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
Question: The House of Representatives has how many voting members? The accepted answer is: four hundred thirty-five (435). 435 voting House members. 435 voting members in the House.
Q22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
Question: We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years? The accepted answer is: two (2). Representatives serve TWO years — short terms, close to voters. House members serve 2 years; senators 6.
Q24. Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
Question: Who does a U.S. Senator represent? The accepted answer is: all people of the state. A Senator represents ALL the people of the state. Senators speak for their whole STATE — all the people in it.
Q25. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
Question: Why do some states have more Representatives than other states? The accepted answer is: (because of) the state's population | (because) they have more people | (because) some states have more people. More population = more representatives for that state. More people in the state = more representatives.
Trap: Senate vs House Numbers
Compare the two parts of Congress: the Senate has one hundred members and six-year terms. The House has four hundred thirty-five voting members and two-year terms. More populous states have more representatives in the House. Practice each number with the name of its chamber.
Cards Lock These Numbers In
Summary: Congress makes federal laws through its two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are one hundred senators serving six-year terms, and four hundred thirty-five voting House members serving two-year terms. A senator represents all the people of the state; states with more people get more representatives. Now drill the deck.
Quick Self-Check
Quick self-check before we drill the cards. Without looking, try to answer this in your head: How many U.S. Senators are there? Picture your answer — then the cards will confirm it. If it came easily, great. If not, that is exactly what to watch for.
Try one question
Who makes federal laws?
Show accepted answers
Give one of these accepted answers:
- Congress
- Senate and House (of Representatives)
- (U.S. or national) legislature
Official civics questions and answers
These published USCIS questions and accepted answers are a free reference. Continue with the free lesson above.
Who makes federal laws?
Give one of these accepted answers:
- Congress
- Senate and House (of Representatives)
- (U.S. or national) legislature
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Complete response:
- the Senate and House (of Representatives)
How many U.S. Senators are there?
Accepted answer:
- one hundred (100)
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
Accepted answer:
- six (6)
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
Accepted answer:
- four hundred thirty-five (435)
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
Accepted answer:
- two (2)
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
Accepted answer:
- all people of the state
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
Give one of these accepted answers:
- (because of) the state's population
- (because) they have more people
- (because) some states have more people
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All 16 topics in the 2008 version (100 questions)
- The Constitution & the Rule of Law· FREE MODULE
- The Declaration & Your First Freedoms· FREE MODULE
- Three Branches, Checks & Balances· FREE MODULE
- Congress: Senate & House — you are here (Free module)
- The President: Elections, Powers & Cabinet
- The Courts & Federal vs State Powers
- The Questions That Change (your officials)
- Rights & Responsibilities of Citizens
- Civic Duties: Vote, Taxes, Selective Service
- Colonial America & Independence
- The Constitution's Birth & the Founders
- The 1800s: Louisiana, Civil War & Lincoln
- The 1900s: World Wars & the Cold War
- Civil Rights, 9/11 & American Peoples
- American Geography
- Flag, Anthem & Holidays