The document outlines the qualifications, benefits, occupations, rules, and debates regarding bills in the House of Representatives and Senate. The House has age qualifications of 25, US residency of 7 years, and state residency. Representatives receive benefits like pay, staff allowances, and pensions. Lawyers, business, and education are common occupations. Debates have time limits and the majority party controls the flow of legislation. The Senate has higher age and residency qualifications of 30 and 9 years. Similar benefits and occupations are outlined. Senate rules are more relaxed with unlimited debate and informal atmosphere, though the majority writes rules. Bills are brought to the floor by unanimous consent or opposed through filibuster, which can be stopped by cl

1. THE ORGANIZATION OF
CONGRESS
House of Representatives and Senate

2. House - Qualifications
O At least 25 years old
O Resident of the United States for at least 7
years
O Must be legal residents of the state that
elects him/her

3. House – Benefits/Privileges
O Free from arrest except treason, felony
O Cannot be sued for speech on the floor
O Free stationery/postage for official business
O Large allowances to pay for staff, trips home
O Tax deduction to maintain two residences
O Pensions of $150,000 in retirement

4. House - Occupations
O Lawyers
O Business, Banking
O Education

5. House - Rules
O Limits on time Representatives can speak
during a debate
O Majority party:
O Selects the leaders
O Controls the flow of legislative work
O Appoints committee chairs

6. House – Debates on Bills
O Rules Committee:
O Directs the flow of legislation
O Can limit debate time on a bill
O Can specify how much a bill can be amended
O Speaker of the House has the power to
appoint committee chairpersons

7. Senate - Qualifications
O At least 30 years old
O Resident of the United States for at least 9
years
O Must be legal residents of the state s/he
represent

8. Senate – Benefits/Privileges
O Free from arrest except treason, felony
O Cannot be sued for speech on the floor
O Free stationery/postage for official business
O Large allowances to pay for staff, trips home
O Tax deduction to maintain two residences
O Pensions of $150,000 in retirement

9. Senate - Occupations
O Lawyers
O Business, Banking
O Education

10. Senate - Rules
O Rules are more relaxed
O Unlimited time for debate
O Can take months to resolve an issue
O Fewer rules, more informal atmosphere
O Majority party writes the rules

11. Senate – Debates on Bills
O Majority leader steers the party’s bills
through the Senate
O Minority leader develops criticism of the
majority party’s bills
O Bills are brought to the floor by unanimous
consent
O Use filibuster to oppose/defeat a bill
O Cloture can stop a filibuster