Powers of the Senate and The House of Representatives - Compare and contrast table in A Level and IB Government & Politics

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Created by: anna.geddes
Created on: 09-06-19 11:41

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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