Let's determine which party controlled the Senate and the House of Representatives during the 112th Congress (2011-2012) based on the provided data.
### Senate Control
1. There are 53 Democrats, 45 Republicans, and 2 Independents in the Senate.
2. To determine which party controls the Senate, we compare the numbers of seats held by Democrats and Republicans.
3. Democrats have 53 seats.
4. Republicans have 45 seats.
5. Since 53 (Democrats) is greater than 45 (Republicans), the Democrats control the Senate.
### House of Representatives Control
1. There are 200 Democrats and 232 Republicans in the House of Representatives, with no Independents.
2. To determine which party controls the House, we compare the numbers of seats held by Democrats and Republicans.
3. Democrats have 200 seats.
4. Republicans have 232 seats.
5. Since 232 (Republicans) is greater than 200 (Democrats), the Republicans control the House of Representatives.
### Conclusion
- Senate: Controlled by the Democrats.
- House of Representatives: Controlled by the Republicans.
Because of this division, the houses of Congress likely experienced challenges in passing legislation, requiring significant negotiation and compromise between the two parties.
