Powers of the Senate and The House of Representatives

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Powers of the Senate and The House of Representatives

Similarities

  • Passing legislation - same process within each house
  • Overriding presidential veto - 2/3 majority needed in both houses
  • Constitutional amendments - 2/3 majority needed in both houses
  • Declaring war - both houses must agree (rather than declaring war, the power is more about granting the president permission to wage war

Differences

  • Only House of Reps can initiate money bills
  • Only House of Reps can bring cases of impeachment
  • Only Senate can confirm presidential appointments (judicial, cabinet etc)
  • Only Senate can ratify treaties (President can bypass by changing name e.g. Obama's Iran deal
  • Only Senate can remove a President by impeachment by a 2/3 majority

Overall comparison

Both houses share the most important powers (legislation, war and to some extent impeachment) but Senate is seen as slightly more important due to more exclusive powers 

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