Final answer:
The House of Representatives has more formal and rigid rules and procedures than the Senate due to its larger size, shorter member terms, and a more hierarchical organization. The Senate's smaller size, longer member terms, and individual powers, such as the filibuster, allow for a more flexible approach to rules and procedures as a check on the House.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: The rules and procedures in the House of Representatives are indeed more formal and rigid than in the Senate. The House, given its larger number of members, relies on its more formal parliamentary procedures to maintain order. With 435 members and only twenty standing committees, members have the time to conduct thorough policy reviews, and they generally adhere to committee decisions. In contrast, Senate rules allow for greater flexibility, including practices like the filibuster, and senators view committee decisions merely as recommendations, preferring more extensive debate on issues.
The structural differences, including the length of terms and the differing responsibilities of senators and House members, contribute to the differences in the rigidity of their respective rules. House members, with two-year terms, are more closely tied to the immediate demands of their constituents, which, along with a hierarchical organization, contributes to a more structured approach. The Senate's structure, including six-year terms and a smaller membership, allows for more independence and the potential to slow down or block legislation, reflecting its role as a check on the House.
Lastly, the unique powers of each chamber, such as the House's authority to initiate spending bills and the Senate's 'advice and consent' powers, further delineate the need for differing procedural strictness. The House often waives some of its stricter rules by unanimous consent, which is an example of the flexibility that exists within the formal structure. In terms of committee assignments, senators hold more responsibilities than their counterparts in the House, as they have to fill positions in sixteen standing committees.