The powers of the Legislative Branch in the United States are vested in a bicameral Congress consisting of an Upper House, also known as the Senate, and a Lower House, known as the House of Representatives. Each chamber is vested with the authority of creating and passing bills into law. Additionally, each chamber has different election process.
Powers Specific to the House
The U.S. House of Representatives is lead by the Speaker of the House, who is elected at the beginning of each each session by all members. The Speaker is usually a member of the majority party but technically represents the House as a whole. House seats are apportioned to each state based on the states population. Elections to the House are held every two years with all 435 seats up for grabs each cycle. Members of the House must be at least 25 years old, be a resident of his or state, and have been a U.S. for at least 7 years.
A power that is unique to the House is the power to originate tax bills, also known as the "power of the purse". The House also has the authority to impeach Federal officials. The House was the body originally intended to be most responsive to the needs of the people.
Powers Specific to the Senate
The U.S. Senate is technically led by the Vice President who is the President of the Senate. In his absence, the President Pro Tempore, or the most senior member of the Senate, takes his place. Effectively, however, the leader of the majority party, also known as the majority leader, runs the Senate. Senators are directly elected by the people and two Senators serve from each state. Senators serve six year terms with one-third of the entire Senate up for re-election every two years.
Powers unique to the Senate are the power to approve treaties, confirm Cabinet and Supreme Court Nominations, and try an impeachment of a Federal official.
Powers Specific to the House
The U.S. House of Representatives is lead by the Speaker of the House, who is elected at the beginning of each each session by all members. The Speaker is usually a member of the majority party but technically represents the House as a whole. House seats are apportioned to each state based on the states population. Elections to the House are held every two years with all 435 seats up for grabs each cycle. Members of the House must be at least 25 years old, be a resident of his or state, and have been a U.S. for at least 7 years.
A power that is unique to the House is the power to originate tax bills, also known as the "power of the purse". The House also has the authority to impeach Federal officials. The House was the body originally intended to be most responsive to the needs of the people.
Powers Specific to the Senate
The U.S. Senate is technically led by the Vice President who is the President of the Senate. In his absence, the President Pro Tempore, or the most senior member of the Senate, takes his place. Effectively, however, the leader of the majority party, also known as the majority leader, runs the Senate. Senators are directly elected by the people and two Senators serve from each state. Senators serve six year terms with one-third of the entire Senate up for re-election every two years.
Powers unique to the Senate are the power to approve treaties, confirm Cabinet and Supreme Court Nominations, and try an impeachment of a Federal official.