House of Representatives vs. Senate Constitutional Power House of Representatives vs. Senate

House of Representatives Constitutional Power “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.” Article 1 Section 7 All revenue/tax bills must start here! “The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the SOLE Power of Impeachment.” Article 1 Section 2 Clause 5 Power to impeach federal officials

Senate

Senate Ratify treaties Confirm Presidential appointments Try and convict impeached officials

House of Representatives Structure Hierarchy based on seniority is very important Majority party controls everything! Speaker of the House Leader of the House of Representatives chosen by the majority party Majority and Minority Leaders Majority and Minority Whips

Structure Senate The US Vice President is the Leader of the Senate. Only role is to break a tie vote President Pro Tempore Assumes the Leadership role of the Senate Most senior member of the majority party Majority and Minority Leaders Majority Leader controls votes and agendas

House of Representatives Legislative Processes and Committees Floor debate is limited because of large size Voting controlled by majority party Committees are more influential than debate Speaker breaks a tie Speaker normally does not vote but can if they want to

Legislative Processes and Committees Senate Legislative Processes and Committees Floor Debate more influential than committees No limit on speaking time Can lead to a Filibuster Filibuster can be stopped with 3/5th of Senators voting for Cloture

Other important info that you need to know QUORUM Minimum number of legislators that must be present in order to conduct business Neither Chamber has term limits