Which two components make up the Congress?

The Congress of the United States is composed of two distinct chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This bicameral structure was established by the Constitution and serves to balance representation. The House of Representatives is designed to reflect the population of each state, with membership based on the state's population, while the Senate assures equal representation for each state, with two senators from each state regardless of size or population. This system enables both populous and less populous states to have a voice in the legislative process.

Understanding this structure is crucial for recognizing how laws are created, debated, and passed in the U.S. government. Each chamber has its own rules, procedures, and powers, which contribute to the complexities of federal legislation and the broader checks and balances of the government. The other options listed do not pertain to the legislative branch of the U.S. Congress. For instance, the Supreme Court and Appeals Court are part of the judicial branch, while the Executive Office relates to the presidency. The GAO (Government Accountability Office) and CBO (Congressional Budget Office) are congressional support agencies that provide oversight and analysis, but they do not form part of Congress itself. Thus, the two components of Congress are unequivocally the House and the Senate.