US ELECTION 2024
What is the difference between the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress?
The US Congress is often referred to as a single entity, but it is a combination of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Here are the differences.
Today, Tuesday November 5 (why this Tuesday?), the United States holds its presidential election. Americans will choose between a second term for Donald Trump or the nation’s first female president with Kamala Harris.
The United States Congress is often referred to as a single entity, but it is a combination of two distinct bodies: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
There are many similarities between them, as both representatives and senators are directly elected by Americans, and the approval of legislation requires the agreement of both. But what are the differences between them?
US Senate vs House of Representatives
According to Article 1, Sections 2 and 3 of the Constitution, members of the House are elected every two years, while senators serve six-year terms.
In addition, the age and citizenship requirements differ. House members must be at least twenty-five years old and have been citizens for at least seven years, whereas senators must be at least thirty years old and citizens for nine years.
Another difference lies in representation. Senators represent their entire states, while House members represent individual districts. Furthermore, both the House and the Senate have distinct rules and conduct procedures. Party leaders and committees also function differently in each chamber.
The term length and number of members also impact each institution. With four times the membership, the House closely follows procedures and limits debate, while debate in the Senate is nearly unlimited, giving all members the chance to influence proceedings.