THE ORGANIZATION OF CONGRESS

House of Representatives and Senate

House - QualificationsO At least 25 years old

O Resident of the United States for at least 7 years

O Must be legal residents of the state that elects him/her

House – Benefits/Privileges

O Free from arrest except treason, felonyO Cannot be sued for speech on the floorO Free stationery/postage for official

businessO Large allowances to pay for staff, trips

homeO Tax deduction to maintain two residencesO Pensions of $150,000 in retirement

House - OccupationsO Lawyers

O Business, Banking

O Education

House - RulesO Limits on time Representatives can

speak during a debateO Majority party:

O Selects the leaders O Controls the flow of legislative workO Appoints committee chairs

House – Debates on Bills

O Rules Committee:O Directs the flow of legislationO Can limit debate time on a billO Can specify how much a bill can be

amended O Speaker of the House has the power

to appoint committee chairpersons

Senate - QualificationsO At least 30 years old

O Resident of the United States for at least 9 years

O Must be legal residents of the state s/he represent

Senate – Benefits/Privileges

O Free from arrest except treason, felonyO Cannot be sued for speech on the floorO Free stationery/postage for official

businessO Large allowances to pay for staff, trips

homeO Tax deduction to maintain two residencesO Pensions of $150,000 in retirement

Senate - OccupationsO Lawyers

O Business, Banking

O Education

Senate - RulesO Rules are more relaxedO Unlimited time for debateO Can take months to resolve an issueO Fewer rules, more informal

atmosphereO Majority party writes the rules

Senate – Debates on Bills

O Majority leader steers the party’s bills through the Senate

O Minority leader develops criticism of the majority party’s bills

O Bills are brought to the floor by unanimous consent

O Use filibuster to oppose/defeat a billO Cloture can stop a filibuster