The Powers of Congress and Prestige

The Powers of Congress

'Concurrent powers' refer to powers which both the Senate and House possess. 'Exclusive Powers' are powers which are only available to one of the houses. All of the powers of Congress are located in Article I Section 8 of the Constitution.

• EXCLUSIVE HOUSE POWERS: The House can initiate bills. The House can begin the impeachment process (formally accuse) of any member of the executive and judicial branches of the federal government. It’s been used 19 times in total – most recent in 2010 on federal judge Thomas Porteous. If the Electoral College is deadlocked, the House can elect a President. But its rarely used, only been done in 1800 and 1824 before
• EXCLUSIVE SENATE POWERS: Seen as being more prestigious than the House. Senate alone has the power to confirm appointments made by the President by a simple majority. These appointments include those to the executive branch, federal judges, FBI, CIA director, etc. In 2013 after Secretary of State Hilary Clinton stepped down the Senate approved the appointment of John Kerry by 94-3. Senate ratifies treaties by a two-thirds majority (Senate thus needs to be fully informed about the treaty). In 2010 the Senate voted 71-26 to ratify the START treaty. Next, once impeached, the Senate carried out the trial to determine whether they’re guilty. Two-thirds majority required to remove someone from office. If Senate is deadlocked, they elect the Vice President
• CONCURRENT POWERS: Five in total. First, they are co-equal in the passage of legislation. Second, both must vote (2/3 majority) to override a presidential veto of a bill. None of Obama’s bills have been overridden thus far, but 3 of Bush’s have (Bush’s veto on the Water Resources Development Bill in 2007). Third, House is co-equal in the initiation of constitutional amendments – must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both houses before it’s ratified by states. Fourth, both Houses must vote to go to war – last time they did this was in 1941 on Japan. Iraq in 2003 does not count. Finally, both have the power (as of the 25^th amendment in 1967) to confirm the appointment of a new vice-president (last done in 1974 on Nelson Rockefeller)

Which is more prestigious?

• House members represent just a congressional district whereas Senators represent an entire state. E.g. Representative Paul Ryan represents Wisconsin’s 1^st District whereas Senator Susan Collins represents the state of Maine, this gives Senators more leverage over the House as Senators will focus on larger issues concerning the entire state whereas House Representatives will be concerned with locally based issues.
• Senators have got 6-year terms but House members only have a 2-year term > however, the House seems to have more incumbents (incumbency advantage), cancelling out the length of term advantage factor. But, it can be debated that Senators have more time to make a change while in office.  Their arguable longer term length means they get to experience more in the political world – more of the action
• The Senate is smaller (100) and so, a leadership position is easier to establish and is seen as a launching pad for presidential campaigns. The majority of past Presidents were Senators (odd few were Governors). And thus, Senate is also a recruitment pool for Vice Presidents – e.g. Joe Biden, Democrats have nominated a senator (or former) as their VP in every election since 1944 (aside from 1984) – 15/16 elections. The very fact that the Senate has produced so many U.S President's emphasises it's prestigious nature
• Senators enjoy exclusive (so do House members) but when it comes to the passage of legislation they’re both equal. 
• Both receive the same salary – in January 2012 it was $174,000. Members of the House could have received an increase of 2.8% but they were denied in 2010, 2011 and 2012
• Recently you can argue, more power has fallen into the House in the last 4 years as demonstrated by their obstructionist nature