Legislative Process and Differences Between House and Senate

Senate Procedures

• Power to filibuster a bill, delaying a vote through extended debate.
• Threat of filibuster can influence vote outcomes.

Lawmaking Process

• Both House and Senate must pass a law.
• Agreement on the bill's final version is required after changes.
• Conference committee (members from both houses) may reconcile differences.
• Final version approved by both houses before presidential approval.
• Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote (rare).

Differences Between House and Senate

• Minimum Age:
  • House: 25 years
  • Senate: 30 years
  • President: 35 years
• Term Length:
  • House: Two years
  • Senate: Six years
• Birthplace:
  • House and Senate: Can be immigrants
  • President: Must be natural-born citizen