What major feature differentiates the Senate from the House of Representatives?

The key feature that differentiates the Senate from the House of Representatives is indeed the length of term for members. Senators serve six-year terms, while members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms. This distinction impacts the way each chamber operates, influences the pace of legislation, and affects the level of accountability to voters.

In the Senate, the longer terms allow for a greater focus on long-term policies, as senators are not as frequently concerned about immediate electoral pressures. Conversely, the shorter terms in the House lead to a more dynamic environment where representatives must be more responsive to the changing opinions of their constituents.

This difference in term length is essential to understanding how each chamber functions within the framework of American government.