Two Similar, Two Different

1. 435 Members Who Each Serve a 2 Year Term

Simple Rules, Less Formal Atmosphere

1. Free from arrest, paid postage, cannot be sued

1. 100 Members Who Each Serve 6 Year Term

1. Leaders Are Not Especially Powerful

1. Short Debates

1. Any Member Can Introduce A Bill

1. Speaker Presides Over Sessions, Votes, And Debates

1. More Complex Rules, More Formal Atmosphere

1. Vice President Presides Over Sessions, Cannot Debate, And Only Votes To Break A Tie

1. Majority Leader's Control Flow Of Bills

1. Use of Filibustering To Defeat A Bill

1. Whips Assist Leaders And Make Sure Certain Legislators Are Present For Key Votes

1. Leaders Are Very Powerful

1. Long Debates

1. Powerful Rules Committee directs flow of bills

Salary of $174,000

Interpret laws

Execute laws

Write and pass laws