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House versus Senate
Two chambers, two clocks. 435 members for two years against 100 senators for six, and a law needs both.
The House has 435 voting members, shared among the states by population. The Senate has 100: two per state, whatever its size.
All steps in text
- The House has 435 voting members, shared among the states by population. The Senate has 100: two per state, whatever its size.
- A House term is two years, and every seat is on the ballot at once. A Senate term is six years, with a third of the seats up every two years.
- A House member answers to a district of roughly 760,000 people. A senator answers to a whole state.
- Revenue bills start in the House. The Senate confirms nominees and ratifies treaties. In impeachment the House charges and the Senate tries.
- Neither chamber can pass a law alone. Both must approve the identical text before it goes to the president.