Contrast the qualifications, terms, and make-up of the senate and the house of representatives

Major Differences Between the Two Houses of Congress:

House

435 members serving two-year terms

Speaker's referral of bills to committee is hard to challenge.

Rules Committee powerful; controls time of debate, admissibility of amendments.

Committees almost always consider legislation first.

Debate usually limited to one hour.

Non-germane amendments may not be introduced from floor.

Senate

100 members serving rotating six-year terms

Referral decisions easy to challenge.

Rules Committee weak; few limits on debate or amendments.

Committee consideration easily bypassed.

Unlimited debate unless shortened by unanimous consent or by invoking cloture.

Non-germane amendments may be introduced (riders).

List of United States Senate Classes