2008 civics test · Question 17 · System of Government
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
One of the 20 questions for the 65/20 special consideration
Official answer
- the Senate and House (of Representatives)
What this means
The two parts of Congress are the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Splitting Congress into two chambers was a compromise at the founding. In the Senate, every state gets the same number of seats, two, so small and large states have equal say. In the House of Representatives, seats are given out by population, so states with more people get more representatives.
A law has to pass both parts before it can go to the president, which is one of the ways power is kept in balance.
Both the 2008 and 2025 tests ask this the same way. Answer: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Why this is on the test
Knowing that Congress has two parts sets up many other questions about senators, representatives, and how laws are made.
How this question is asked
On the 2008 civics test, the officer asks up to 10 of the 100 questions out loud and you pass by answering 6 correctly. You answer in your own words. There is no multiple choice and nothing to write down for the civics portion.
This question also appears on the 2025 civics test , as question 19.
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