The framers of the Constitution chose "Senate" for the upper body because most of them had a classical education and were very well versed in the ways and wisdom of the Roman Republic. "Senate" was the name given the supreme council of state in ancient Rome, and its members were called "Senators." According to Donald Ritchie, U.S. Senate Historical Office, the word "Senate" comes from the Latin, "Senatus," which means council of elders. (It is also the root word for senility!) The framers were also influenced by the fact that at the time of the founding of our country, 9 of the 13 colonial legislatures had upper bodies already known as "senate."

Many of the original names for Washington locales were chosen as a reflection of this fascination and respect for the model of government provided by the Romans. For example, the original Jenkins Hill was renamed "Capitoline Hill," after the one in Rome, and now is known simply as Capitol Hill. Gooseberry Creek became "Tiber Creek," which still runs underneath the Federal Triangle.

As for the House, "house" is simply a straightforward word for referring to a legislative body or assembly of representatives. The fact that so many of the founding fathers were well acquainted with the Virginia House of Burgesses may have influenced this decision as well.

It is not accurate to use "House" and "Congress" interchangeably. Congress is both the House and Senate, or said in reverse, the House and Senate are each only 1/2 of Congress. However, this logic does not extend to the terms of address. Senators are only called Senators, while House Members may correctly be called Congressman or Representative.

Some may argue that the tradition of referring to Members of the Senate only as "Senator," is because the members of that body think of themselves as more distinguished than the Members of the House and also because they wish to evoke the aura of the solons of ancient Rome. However, there is another explanation. If we used "Congressman" for members of both bodies, we would not be able to immediately identify the Member's chamber. Using "Senator" or "Representative" differentiates between them.