The document discusses the relative powers of the House of Representatives and Senate in the United States government. It suggests that the Senate is often viewed as more powerful due to its exclusive powers, such as ratifying treaties with a two-thirds majority vote and trying impeachment cases. However, both chambers have significant powers, including initiating legislation, conducting investigations, overriding presidential vetoes, and initiating constitutional amendments. Both houses must agree through bicameralism for legislation to pass.

1. House of Representatives and Senate
- which is more powerful?

2.  Often suggested that the Senate is more
powerful and prestigious than the H of R
 Exclusive powers seen as more significant
than exclusive powers of the House
 Ratification of treaties (2/3
majority)..............; advice & consent -
confirmation of executive appointments (by
simple majority)...............; try cases of
impeachment (2/3 majority)............; to elect
a VP – where 2 or more candidates are tied

3.  To consider all money bills first – allows it to
set the financial agenda and control purse
strings of govt – Ways &
Means, Appropriations committees
 To impeach any member of the federal
government, executive or judicial branches
 To choose a President – no candidate has
received a majority in the electoral college

4.  All bills must go through all stages in both
chambers; neither can overturn the decisions
of the other ( unlike UK............)
 Both House have powerful standing
committees
 Conference committees – members of both
Houses and both must agree to compromise
 2/3 majority needed in both Houses to
override a presidential veto

5.  Scrutiny and investigation of the executive
branch........................
 Initiating constitutional amendments –
bicameral equality – Senate consistently
refused to approve amendment to ban
desecration of the flag

6.  Senators serve 6 years
 Represent the whole state compared to
congressional district
 One of a 100 not 435
 More likely to chair a committee
 Likely presidential candidates -
2008..........and VP candidates – Joe Biden
 House members frequently seek election to
the Senate – Senator Trent Lott

7.  Balanced and unbalanced bicameralism
 Limited powers of House of Lords –
Parliament Act 1949, Salisbury convention,
money bills....
 Parliament - policy influencing powers
 Parliamentary committees – weaker powers