Civics Test Question 26: Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
A question from the 2025 civics test, with the answers USCIS publishes and our explanation.
Translation
26
Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?为什么众议员的任期比参议员短？¿Por qué los representantes de EE. UU. tienen mandatos más cortos que los senadores?
Official answers
Any one of these is correct.
To more closely follow public opinion为了更紧密地跟随民意Para seguir más de cerca la opinión pública
Explanation
Representatives face election every two years, so they have to stay close to what voters want, while senators’ six-year terms give more stability. The framers designed it this way on purpose.
Memory tip
💡 Shorter term = closer to public opinion.
More questions in American Government · System of Government
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