Question

Explain three important functions of the United States Senate.

Answer 1

Legislative Powers of the Senate: In the sphere of legislation, the Senate enjoys coequal powers with the House of Representatives. Any non-money bill can originate in it. After its passage from the Senate, the bill goes to the House of Representatives. If it also passes it, the bill goes to the President for his signatures and becomes law if signed by the President or even if the President fails to sign it and 10 days elapse. The bills first passed by the House of Representatives, likewise, come to the Senate and become laws when passed by the Senate and signed by the President. However, in case there emerges a conflict between the two houses over any bill, a joint conference committee and each house send 3 members. The decision of this committee finally settles the fate of the bill. Usually, the Senate manages to have its way in this committee.

Financial Powers of the Senate: Senate plays a vitally important role in the passing of financial legislation by the U.S. Congress. No money bill can be introduced in the Senate. It can be introduced only in the House of Representatives. However, after its passage from the House, it comes to the Senate. The Senate has the power to make any amendment to the money bills. Thus the final shape of the money bill depends on the wishes and the decisions of the state.

Senate as the Court of Impeachment: In impeachment proceedings, the House of Representatives has been given the power to frame charges and the Senate has been given “the sole power” to try impeachment. The impeachment resolution passed by the House of Representatives contains charges against the concerned official. The resolution comes before the Senate and it sits as the court of impeachment for investigating and finally deciding the case. In case, after the investigations and hearings, the Senate accepts and passes the impeachment resolution by a 2/3rd majority, the person concerned stands impeached. Conviction by the Senate in impeachment is beyond the President’s power to grand pardon. However, the Senate while convicting the person bypassing the impeachment resolution cannot impose any fine or punishment. It can only remove the person from office and can permanently disqualify him from holding office under the national government.