Today the legislative branch of the American government, Congress, is divided into two independent chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The system is called a bicameral system, which means it is divided into two chambers. The framers of the Constitution created the system because if it were successful in Great Britain, the two separate houses could ensure that each side would not abuse its power and the system would create a compromise between the New Jersey plan and the Virginia plan . Although both houses can make laws, they were created independent of each other and with different authorities. In the House, “committees review bills and issues and oversee agencies, programs, and activities within their jurisdictions” (House of Representatives). The Senate is responsible for providing guidance and approving treaties or presidential appointments and holding impeachment trials (American politics). The Framers chose a bicameral system for the legislative branch of government. While still deciding what type of system to include, the Framers looked to other countries. They observed that Britain had a bicameral parliament and the system appeared to be very successful. They also valued common sense. They knew that if they had two different Houses, each House could “control” the other, preventing any abuse of power from occurring. The bicameral Congress was also the result of the Connecticut Compromise, a compromise between the New Jersey and Virginia plans. Disagreement over these plans had led to many issues within the Articles or Confederation, a document that had been written before the Constitution. Once the compromise was reached, the Constitution was much closer to being written. The Framers chose a bicameral system… middle of the paper… in Britain, so they had confidence it could work for the United States. They knew that they would be safe from abuse of power, since both sides could control each other. And, since a bicameral system would work as a compromise between the Connecticut and Virginia plans, it was clear that the system was the best choice. The House of Representatives would work to create laws, oversee bills, activities and plans. The Senate would work to organize impeachment trials and guide the approval of treaties. Ultimately the Framers had created a very effective system, a system that continues to work today. Works Cited "American Politics |." American Politics |. Np, nd Web. December 3, 2013. United States House of Representatives · House.gov. Np, nd Web. December 08, 2013."United States Senate." United States Senate. Np, nd Web. 08 December. 2013.