In many cases, one house of the legislature does not have the sole power to decide what bills are passed into law. Instead, the two houses of the legislature work together to put bills on the calendar, vote on them, and make judgments on them.

Judging election, qualification, and returns of members

The House of Representatives has sole power to judge the election, qualification, and returns of its own members. It can adjourn or prorogue the general court for up to ninety days. However, it cannot receive fees for advocacy, or reward its members for bringing forward bills. These powers are granted by the United States Constitution.

During World War II, Congress approved the use of military force. Since then, it continues to shape U.S. military policy. In addition, the Senate has developed its own procedures to settle contested elections. When members are suspected of misconduct, each house of Congress can expel them with a two-thirds vote. This power is referred to as the “impeachment” power, and is found in Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution.

Punishing members for disorderly behavior

The Congress of the United States has the power to punish members of the House of Representatives and the Senate for disorderly behavior and for violations of the laws. Article I, section 5, of the Constitution grants the House of Congress the authority to do this. Each house has the power to expel members with two-thirds of the members voting in favor of the action. Since 1789, the Senate has expelled fifteen members. This practice is not unusual. In addition, the Legislature is granted immunity from civil process during the legislative session and for fifteen days before the start of the session.

When the members of the House of Representatives are re-elected, they are privileged from arrest on civil process for a period of 15 days before the start of the new session. This privilege is not extended to nonmembers of the House of Representatives.