Civics Test Question 28: Why does each state have two senators?

A question from the 2025 civics test, with the answers USCIS publishes and our explanation.

Translation

Why does each state have two senators?为什么每个州都有两名参议员？¿Por qué cada estado tiene dos senadores?

Official answers

Any one of these is correct.

Equal representation (for small states)（让小州也有）平等的代表权Representación igual (para los estados pequeños)
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)大妥协（康涅狄格妥协）El Gran Compromiso (Compromiso de Connecticut)

Explanation

In 1787, large states wanted seats based on population and small states wanted equal seats. The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) gave the House seats by population and the Senate two seats per state, so small states have an equal voice.

Memory tip

💡 Two senators per state = equal representation for small states (the Great Compromise).

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