Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

What is the primary reason there are more members in the House of Representatives than in the Senate?

1. It is specifically defined in the Constitution

2. It provides for more members of the House than of the Senate

3. It is set at 56 in the House and 180 in the Senate

4. It is totally at the discretion of the General Assembly

The correct answer is: It provides for more members of the House than of the Senate

The choice stating that there are more members of the House of Representatives than in the Senate is accurate because it reflects the structure established by the state’s legislative framework. Typically, legislative chambers are designed to have a larger house, such as the House of Representatives, to ensure broader representation of the population, while the Senate, being smaller, often represents larger geographical areas or districts. This structure facilitates a balance that allows for more direct representation of the citizens’ interests in the larger chamber. The design and limits on membership in these two chambers are also influenced by political theory, demographic considerations, and the aim of creating a check-and-balance system within the legislature. Regarding the other options, the first option speaks to the constitutional definitions but does not directly address the membership ratio. The mention of specific numbers in the third option is incorrect since the actual counts for the House and Senate are not correct as stated. The final option implies that the number of members is entirely up to the discretion of the General Assembly; however, it is typically defined by law and reflective of historical practice, ensuring the House remains larger than the Senate. This structure is integral to facilitating effective governance and representation within the state's legislative process.