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

3. 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

4. Senate

5. Senate Ratify treaties Confirm Presidential appointments
Try and convict impeached officials

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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