1
The founders intended the House to
be closest to the people (hint: keep in
mind members of the Senate were not
directly elected by voters until the 17th
Amendment passed in 1913) and most
responsive to their constituents. How?
They must run for office often and
generally represent fewer people. Senators
are expected to be more experienced and
less influenced by the ebb and flow of
popular opinion. With a smaller number
of members, they can take their time to
carefully consider and debate issues.
2
All bills that raise money must originate in
the House of Representatives. The House
has the power to impeach (formally accuse)
while the Senate tries impeachments. In
addition, the Senate approves treaties and
certain presidential appointments, such as
ambassadors and Supreme Court Justices.
3
If each voting member spoke for 15
minutes, to be followed immediately by
another speaker, nearly 109 hours of time
would be required. That translates into
eleven ten-hour days of non-stop speeches.
Debate is important when considering
contentious issues. Nevertheless, given
the reality of our large House, members
often choose knowledgeable colleagues
who represent a point of view supported by
others to speak on their behalf.
4
The majority leader is elected to lead
the party with the greatest number of
members. The minority leader heads
the party with fewer members. We have
a two-party system which means that
most members of Congress are either
Republicans or Democrats.
5
Example (a) illustrates majority rule as the
numerical majority always has ultimate
control of whether or not to pass a bill.
Thus, the wishes of the majority members
are followed. The second example (b)
demonstrates minority rights. The senator,
who may have a different opinion than the
majority of members, can request that a bill
not be considered for debate or vote.
6
According to the New Oxford American
Dictionary (2010), precedent is “an earlier
event or action that is regarded as an
example or guide to be considered in
subsequent similar circumstances.” The
Senate uses precedent to decide how to
proceed with legislation and other business.
The House of Representatives and Senate:
What’s the Difference?
ANSWERS
SOURCE:
Oleszek, Walter J., Congressional Procedures and Policy Process, 9th Edition, Congressional Quarterly, Inc., 2013.