What are the overall powers of the legislative branch? briefly compare debate rules in the house and the senate. what are the special powers of the house of representatives? what does the phrase advice and consent mean?

The ultimate power of the legislative branch lies in their ability to make laws. If bills pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate, all they need is a signature from the president in order to become a national law.

As far as debating bills in the different branches of the legislature, there are a couple key differences. First, in the House of Representatives, there is no such thing as unlimited debate. The amount of time spent on debating a bill is limited. However, in the Senate, members can stall and spend as much time as they want arguing a bill. This is called a filibuster.

A difference in special powers between the House and Senate include their effects on impeachment. The House of Representatives has the ability to push impeachment charges against a political official (like the president). However, it is the Senate that actually hears the case and decides on whether the person will be removed from office.