Differences in House and Senate

House initiates (starts) revenue (money) bills-no taxation without representation impeach (accuse only) selects president if no majority in electoral college Senate approves major appointments consents to treaties tries impeachment cases selects VP if no majority in electoral college

House 435 (population) re-apportioned every 10 yrs. on basis of census Senate 100 (2 per state) no reapportionment – equal representation of states

House 2 yr. term Senate 6 yr. staggered term/ 1/3 elected every 2 yrs. (continuous body)

House smaller constituency (congressional districts) Senate larger constituency (entire state)

House more centralized power than Senate stronger leadership (members are more likely to follow party leadership) Senate less centralized power than House weaker leadership (members more likely to be independent)

House less prestige Senate more prestige

House more influential on budget/taxes; more specialized due to size Senate more influential on foreign affairs/judicial appointments; less specialized

House turnover: small (90% of incumbents usually win) Senate turnover: moderate (more competitive races)

House limited debate (large size); limits on floor amendments; has RULES COMM. to set rules/schedule debate Senate unlimited debate – can FILIBUSTER – talk a bill to death; no equivalent of Rules Comm.

House has 19 committees Senate has 16 committees

Actions that must be taken together: simple majority in both houses to pass a bill 2/3 majority in both houses to propose amendments to Constitution 2/3 majority in both houses to override veto simple majority in both houses to declare war approve VP appointment in case of vacancy (maj.) determine presidential disability if needed (maj.)