Senate vs. House Powers

The Senate is given a special power by the Constitution. They are allowed to approve or reject appointments by the president as well as accept or reject treaties. In the Bush era, the Democratic minority in the Senate has shot down many bills, showing the power of the Senate to reject treaties and laws. Also, when Bush nominated Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, the Senate began to accuse him of cronyism. Bush was essentially forced into withdrawing her nomination and instead bringing in Samuel Alito. Another major power of the Senate is their power to impeach. If they find the president, vice president, or other executive officials guilty of treason or bribery, they can bring him before Congress and try him. This has happened several times in U.S. history. Examples include Richard Nixon, Andrew Johnson, and Bill Clinton.