senate is more prestigous than the house

Point1- senate has more power because

It can ratify treaties and filibuster bills

1- senate can ratify treaties with a 2/3 majority.

2010, senate voted to ratify the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which was negotiated by Obama.

1- filibuster - senator hold floor and speaks Dior an extended period of time.

This can delay or prevent a vote on a bill, can amend legislation.

April 2013, following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting the senate forced a debate on gun control. The Manchin Toomey amendment aimed too expand background checks for firearm purchase.

However it experiences a filibuster primarily led bu republican senators who used prolonged speeches to prevent the bill from passing.

Counter1- bills must be approved by both.

Constitution gives house power to initiate revenue and spending bills. This means they can shape taxation policies implemented by the government. The senate can make modifications but ultimately the house decides.

Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, aimed to reform the tax code and reduce tax rates. Senate made some amendments but the bill originated from the houses initial proposal.

P2- senate is more powerful than house because it has significant powers of oversight

Confirm presidential nominations, including executive branch officials, federal judges and SC justices

2- senate rejection of presidential nomination rejection

1989, George H.W Bush, senate voted against confirming John Tower for secretary of defence due to personal conduct and behaviour.

2- Senate has sole power to conduct impeachment trials or federal officials, including the president.

This grants them significant oversight powers over potential abuses of power or misconduct by high ranking officials. Provides a check on power.

Impeachment trials of DT 2020/2021, after the HoR impeached Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of congress , senate conducted a trial to determine whether he should be removed from office. Incitement of insurrection

Counter2- houses have the concurrent power of oversight over the executive branch.

They both hold the executive to account. The support of both houses is needed in order to override a presidential veto.

Eg. 2/3 majority in both houses meant that Congress could override Obamas 2016 veto for the Justices Against Sponsors for Terrorism Act.

Point3- senate is more powerful because it is more prestigious

Often th launching pad for presidential campaigns.

3- term lengths

Senators 6yrs, HoR 2yrs. Provides senators with stability, connections and establish a stronger presence in national politics.

3- membership

Senators 2 per state, HoR represents the population. Senators smaller membership can make it seem more exclusive and prestigious, perception if greater influence.

John Corbyn represented the entire state of Texas, Henry Cellar only represents the 28th district of Texas.

3- presidential legacy

Truman, Kennedy, Obama, Biden were all former senate members.

Counter3- senate and Ho0R have the sama salary.

174,000$

Counter3- representations

HoR is democratically elected as it provides a better reflection of the American Population diversity.

However3- house to senate

Most representatives seek to become members of the senate.