Question

What are the different constitutional responsibilities of the House and Senate that affect the policy-making process?

Answer 1

The House and Senate have distinct constitutional responsibilities, with the House initiating spending bills and having the power to impeach, while the Senate provides 'advice and consent' for presidential appointees and ratifies treaties. The Senate also acts as a check on the House with a more deliberative legislative approach. Both chambers can create their rules and manage member discipline, which, along with the presidential veto power, shapes the policy-making process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The United States Constitution delineates specific responsibilities for the House of Representatives and the Senate, each affecting the policy-making process uniquely. The House, whose members are elected for two-year terms, has the exclusive power to initiate spending bills and is also at the forefront of impeaching officials and choosing the President in an Electoral College deadlock. Conversely, the Senate, with members elected for six-year terms, has the responsibility for the 'advice and consent' process regarding presidential appointments and the power to ratify treaties. A key difference is that the House is more hierarchical and responsive to immediate constituent demands, leading to rapid policy changes, whereas the Senate is seen as a moderating body with the ability to slow down legislation.

Another difference is that the Senate acts as a check on the House, providing a more deliberative approach to proposed legislation. Utilizing longer debates and fewer restrictions on the procedure, the Senate serves to balance out the swift-moving, often partisan-driven House actions. Article 5 of the Constitution grants both the House and Senate the ability to establish their own rules, and censure, and expel members, ensuring each body governs its proceedings effectively.

Presidential Veto Power over Congress:

When both chambers pass a bill, it moves to the president for approval. Should the president sign it, the bill becomes law, or it can become law automatically if left unsigned for ten days (except in specific circumstances). This presidential veto power serves as an additional check in the policy-making process, influencing the legislative strategies of both the House and Senate.

Answer 2

Answer: The house of Representatives has the responsibility to impeach a Government official

While the Senate has the sole power to conduct impeachment trial.

The Senate has the power to approve treaties made by the Executive.

The house of Representatives have the power to investigate and carry out oversights of the Executive and Judiciary.

Both houses have the power to penalize and expel it members who disobeys the rules of both houses by two-thirds majority voting.

Explanation: The Senate is the upper chamber of the United States of America house of assembly (Congress) it contains 100members,made up of equal representation from each states making the Federation. It has the sole power to conduct impeachment trials acting as judge.

The house of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress, made up 435 members,one of the duties of the house of Representatives is to impeach Government officials found wanting as it regards the Law or abuse of office.