Download - House senate
THE ORGANIZATION OF CONGRESS
House of Representatives and Senate
House - QualificationsO At least 25 years old
O Resident of the United States for at least 7 years
O Must be legal residents of the state that elects him/her
House – Benefits/Privileges
O Free from arrest except treason, felonyO Cannot be sued for speech on the floorO Free stationery/postage for official
businessO Large allowances to pay for staff, trips
homeO Tax deduction to maintain two residencesO Pensions of $150,000 in retirement
House - OccupationsO Lawyers
O Business, Banking
O Education
House - RulesO Limits on time Representatives can
speak during a debateO Majority party:
O Selects the leaders O Controls the flow of legislative workO Appoints committee chairs
House – Debates on Bills
O Rules Committee:O Directs the flow of legislationO Can limit debate time on a billO Can specify how much a bill can be
amended O Speaker of the House has the power
to appoint committee chairpersons
Senate - QualificationsO At least 30 years old
O Resident of the United States for at least 9 years
O Must be legal residents of the state s/he represent
Senate – Benefits/Privileges
O Free from arrest except treason, felonyO Cannot be sued for speech on the floorO Free stationery/postage for official
businessO Large allowances to pay for staff, trips
homeO Tax deduction to maintain two residencesO Pensions of $150,000 in retirement
Senate - OccupationsO Lawyers
O Business, Banking
O Education
Senate - RulesO Rules are more relaxedO Unlimited time for debateO Can take months to resolve an issueO Fewer rules, more informal
atmosphereO Majority party writes the rules
Senate – Debates on Bills
O Majority leader steers the party’s bills through the Senate
O Minority leader develops criticism of the majority party’s bills
O Bills are brought to the floor by unanimous consent
O Use filibuster to oppose/defeat a billO Cloture can stop a filibuster