What is the main purpose of a bicameral legislature as established by the Framers?

The main purpose of a bicameral legislature, as established by the Framers of the United States Constitution, is to represent diverse interests effectively. The bicameral structure, consisting of two legislative chambers—the House of Representatives and the Senate—was designed to reflect different facets of the population and states' interests.

The House of Representatives is meant to represent the population directly, with the number of representatives from each state determined by its population size. This allows for the voices of larger states to be more prominent in the legislative process. In contrast, the Senate provides equal representation for all states, with each state having two senators, regardless of its population. This arrangement ensures that smaller states have a significant voice in the government, promoting a balance between populous and less populous states' interests.

By having two chambers with different modes of election and terms, the Framers intended to create a system of checks and balances that would mitigate the risk of hasty or overly partisan legislation. This design ultimately enhances the representational function of the legislature, allowing for a broader spectrum of interests to be considered in the law-making process.