So you think you know Congress? Take our quiz.

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The Capitol dome in Washington. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP/File)

With an annual job approval ratings at 14 percent, Congress is at a historically low ebb in public esteem. Is it because the nation's lawmakers are truly performing badly? Or is the institution – viewed by Founding Fathers as the preeminent branch – maligned and misunderstood? See how much you know about the Congress. Take our quiz!

- Gail Russell Chaddock, Staff writer

1. Why is the House of Representatives called 'the People's House?'

House members are directly elected by voters every two years, while senators are elected every six years, and the president every four. This means, in principle, that House members should be more responsive to the will of the people. Also, James Madison convinced the Constitutional Convention that by letting state legislatures choose senators, the Senate would be protected from the "fickleness and passion" of the general public and the House. Not until 1913 with the 17th Amendment were US senators elected by popular vote. Still, only a third of the Senate is up for election in any campaign cycle.

House members are directly elected by voters every two years, while senators are elected every six years, and the president every four. This means, in principle, that House members should be more responsive to the will of the people. Also, James Madison convinced the Constitutional Convention that by letting state legislatures choose senators, the Senate would be protected from the "fickleness and passion" of the general public and the House. Not until 1913 with the 17th Amendment were US senators elected by popular vote. Still, only a third of the Senate is up for election in any campaign cycle.

House members are directly elected by voters every two years, while senators are elected every six years, and the president every four. This means, in principle, that House members should be more responsive to the will of the people. Also, James Madison convinced the Constitutional Convention that by letting state legislatures choose senators, the Senate would be protected from the "fickleness and passion" of the general public and the House. Not until 1913 with the 17th Amendment were US senators elected by popular vote. Still, only a third of the Senate is up for election in any campaign cycle.

House members are directly elected by voters every two years, while senators are elected every six years, and the president every four. This means, in principle, that House members should be more responsive to the will of the people. Also, James Madison convinced the Constitutional Convention that by letting state legislatures choose senators, the Senate would be protected from the "fickleness and passion" of the general public and the House. Not until 1913 with the 17th Amendment were US senators elected by popular vote. Still, only a third of the Senate is up for election in any campaign cycle.