Strengths of the houses

Question 1

Where do the chambers have shared powers

Answer 1

Legislation

Oversight

Overriding a presidential veto

Amendments to constitution

Declaring war

Question 2

Where do the chambers differ on confirming appointments

Answer 2

House - they don’t

Senate - Sole power to confirm appointments

Question 3

Where do the chambers differ on ratifying treaties

Answer 3

House - they don’t

Senate - sole power to ratify treaties

Question 4

Where do the chambers differ on the power of the purse

Answer 4

house - only house can initiate money bills

Senate - can amend money bills, in order to pass financial legislation both partys need to agree

Question 5

Where do the chambers differ on impeachment

Answer 5

house - starts them

Senate - confirms them - needs 2/3 majority

Question 6

Where do the chambers differ on term of office

Answer 6

house - 2 years

Senate - 6 years

Question 7

Where do the chambers differ on career prospects

Answer 7

house - 335 more members so more competition for committee seats and leadership roles, they aim for a seat in the senate

Senate - Higher public profile, good opportunity’s for leadership roles ,can be a route to presidency

Question 8

Example of past senators who have became president

Answer 8

Obama

Biden