Which body of Congress is chosen directly by the populace?

The House of Representatives is the body of Congress that is chosen directly by the populace. Members of the House are elected every two years by voters in their respective congressional districts, which allows for immediate accountability to the voters. This direct election process underscores the principle of representative democracy, as the House serves as a voice for the public within the federal government.

In contrast, Senators were originally appointed by state legislatures until the 17th Amendment was ratified in 1913, which established the direct election of Senators by the populace, similar to the House, but this was not the case at the founding of the U.S. Congress. The President is elected separately by the populace through the Electoral College, not through Congress. The Federal Judiciary is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, so it does not involve direct election by voters. Thus, the House's mechanism for direct election distinguishes it as the body chosen directly by the people.