The Difference Between Senate and Congress
The word “Congress” is commonly used interchangeably with “Senate” by those unfamiliar with the US government. However, the two are entirely different entities. While both the Senate and the House of Representatives make up the US Congress, they have distinct roles that set them apart from each other.
The Senate
The Senate is one-half of Congress. It is composed of 100 senators, two from each state. They serve six-year terms, with one-third of the Senate up for election every two years. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate, but can only vote in the event of a tie.
The Senate has several key powers, including the ability to approve presidential appointments such as Supreme Court justices and executive branch officials. Additionally, the Senate is the only body that can ratify treaties, providing the President has negotiated them. Finally, the Senate acts as a court when a public official is impeached by the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is the other half of Congress, and is the lower chamber. It is composed of 435 representatives, apportioned according to each state’s population. The number of representatives changes every 10 years as mandated by the Census. Representatives serve two-year terms with all seats up for election every two years.
The House of Representatives has several key powers. It is responsible for initiating all revenue bills, as well as the writing and passing of all federal appropriations bills. Additionally, the House acts as a court when impeaching federal officials.
The Differences Between Senate and Congress
The main difference between the Senate and the House of Representatives is their different composition and powers. Senators represent an entire state, and have a more internationally-focused view of politics, whereas Representatives represent local districts and are often more focused on local issues.
Another difference is the size of each body. The Senate is significantly smaller than the House of Representatives, with only 100 members compared to 435. This size difference can change how Congress operates, as the Senate is often able to deliberate on and consider bills with more detail compared to the House of Representatives.
In conclusion, while both the Senate and the House of Representatives are part of the US Congress, they differ significantly in composition and powers. The Senate is focused on international and federal issues, while the House is focused on local and regional issues. By understanding the differences between the two bodies, it is possible to gain a better understanding of how US government operates.
Table difference between senate and congress
| Parameter | Senate | Congress |
|---|---|---|
| Number of members | 100 | 535 |
| Representation | Equal representation for each state | Representation based on population |
| Term length | 6 years | 2 years |
| Age requirement | 30 years | 25 years |
| Role in legislative process | Provides advice and consent on presidential appointments and ratifies treaties | Initiates, debates and passes laws |
| Leadership | The Vice President of the United States is the President of the Senate, but does not vote unless there is a tie. | The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the highest-ranking officer of the Congress and is elected by its members. |
| Impeachment power | Can try and convict federal officials, including the president, for “high crimes and misdemeanors” | Can initiate and carry out the impeachment of federal officials, including the president, for “high crimes and misdemeanors” |
| Number of standing committees | 16 | 20 |