Question

You are working on a brief guide to Congress for use by foreign exchange students visiting your school. Write a brief section that compares and contrasts the House and the Senate - their functions, organization, and stature.

Answer 1

When JFK was president, the Democrats held a big majority in both the House and Senate. But he couldn't get Congress to approve his proposals to enlarge civil rights, supply federal aid for school construction, create a Department of Urban Affairs and Housing, or establish a program of subsidized medical care for the elderly. During JFK's last year, Congress passed 1/4 of his proposals. When Carter had a majority of Democrats, many of his most important proposals were defeated or greatly modified.