The Two Chambers
As a part of Article 1, the legislative branch is bicameral, meaning it is made up of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Founders created two chambers as both a compromise and as a safety measure. It was a compromise as one is based on population of a state as larger states will get more representatives in the House. The other is a guarantee of 2 members in the Senate. It was a safety measure as two houses make it more difficult for legislation to get passed. This is a measure of checks and balances.
Leadership in Congress
Majority Leader - Leader of the political party with the most seats. The Senate Majority Leader is able to schedule when bills are discussed and has the most power in the senate.
Minority Leader - Leader of the political party which occupies the minority of the seats.
Party Whip - The party whip has the responsibility of trying to "whip" the members of the party to do what party leaders want them to do.
Speaker of the House - A member of the majority party in the House of Representatives. Has tremendous control of when bills are discussed, what committee are they assigned to, and who makes up the Rules Committee. The Speaker of the House is the most powerful member of Congress.
Minority Leader - Leader of the political party which occupies the minority of the seats.
Party Whip - The party whip has the responsibility of trying to "whip" the members of the party to do what party leaders want them to do.
Speaker of the House - A member of the majority party in the House of Representatives. Has tremendous control of when bills are discussed, what committee are they assigned to, and who makes up the Rules Committee. The Speaker of the House is the most powerful member of Congress.
The House Rules Committee
The House Rules Committee is a very unique committee. Its job is to decide how a bill can be discussed on the House floor. They set time limits on debate as well what amendments can occur. So why is this present in the House but not the Senate? Well let's think about it. Politicians like to talk. In the House, there are 435 politicians, the Senate only 100. If every member of the House was able to speak as much as they wanted, nothing would get done! Therefore the House Rules Committee tries to limit the amount of debate to ensure that business can take place.
Please go through following differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives. As you are looking at the differences, pay attention to which seems to be more serious, or respected, based on what you notice.
Senate
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Size Term Age Citizenship Constituency Limits on Debate? Who holds the most power? Role in Impeachment Special Duties |
House of Representatives
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Check Time!!
Watch the video check to see if there is anything you need to review.
Video courtesy of Aaron Hughes