U.S. Legislative Branch: House of Representatives

• The legislative branch of the U.S. government consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

House of Representatives

• Has 435 voting members.
• Membership is based on each state's population; each state has at least one Representative.
• Includes six non-voting members representing Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and four other U.S. territories.
• Representatives serve two-year terms.
• Elections occur every even-numbered year.
• There are no term limits.
• The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer, elected by the House members, and typically from the majority party.
• The Majority Leader schedules legislation and secures votes.
• The Minority Leader is the chief spokesperson for the opposition party.
• Whips assist party leaders in coordinating members and ensuring vote attendance.
• Standing Committees are permanent and handle specific legislation areas.
• Select Committees are temporary, created for specific investigations or issues.
• Joint Committees include members from both the House and Senate for administrative purposes.

The Senate

• Consists of 100 members, with two from each state.
• Senators serve six-year terms.
• Elections are staggered, with about one-third of seats up for election every two years.
• There are no term limits.
• The Vice President serves as the President of the Senate, voting only to break ties.
• The President Pro Tempore, a senior member of the majority party, presides in the Vice President's absence.
• The Majority Leader manages the Senate's legislative agenda.
• The Minority Leader acts as the chief strategist for the opposition.
• Whips assist party leaders in coordinating members and securing votes.
• Standing Committees focus on specific policy areas.
• Select Committees are temporary bodies for investigating particular issues.
• Joint Committees include members from both chambers for administrative purposes.

Legislative Process

• Bills can be introduced in either the House or Senate, except revenue-related bills, which must start in the House.
• Bills are sent to relevant committees for review, hearings, and amendments.
• Most bills do not pass the committee stage.
• If approved by a committee, a bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
• The House Rules Committee sets debate terms.
• Senate debate is generally unlimited unless cloture is invoked.
• If different versions of a bill pass in each chamber, a conference committee creates a compromise.
• The final version must be approved by both the House and Senate.
• The President can sign the bill into law or veto it.
• Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Key Differences Between the House and Senate

• The House is larger, representing population-based districts, while the Senate is smaller, representing states equally.
• House members serve two-year terms; Senators serve six-year terms.
• The House has more structured and limited debate, while the Senate allows for extended debate and filibusters.
• The House can initiate revenue bills and impeach federal officials, while the Senate confirms presidential appointments and ratifies treaties.

Overview of the House of Representatives, part of the U.S. legislative branch. Details include membership, term lengths, and the roles of the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader. Also covers the structure of committees.