The United States Senate
The Senate allows all the states in the United States to have an equal amount of voting power. Every state gets two senators, no matter what the population of the state is. That means that a state with a small population such as Montana, has the same amount of voting power as a state with a high population, like California. Unlike the House, the number of Senators can be changed to accomodate new states. Right now there are 100 Senators, but if another state is created, there will be 102 Senators.
Senators serve a six year term. However, senator elections are held every two years. This is because only one third of the senate seats are up for election every two years. For example: In 2010, one third of the seats will be up for election. In 2012, a different third of the senate seats will be up for election, and in 2014 the last third will be up for election. Then, in 2016, the same senate seats that were up for election in 2010 will once again be up for election. The cycle continues on in that format forever.
Senators serve a six year term. However, senator elections are held every two years. This is because only one third of the senate seats are up for election every two years. For example: In 2010, one third of the seats will be up for election. In 2012, a different third of the senate seats will be up for election, and in 2014 the last third will be up for election. Then, in 2016, the same senate seats that were up for election in 2010 will once again be up for election. The cycle continues on in that format forever.
Leaders of the Senate
There are two leaders of the Senate. One of them is called the President of the Senate, the other is called the President Pro Tempore.
The President of the Senate
The President of the Senate is always the Vice-President of the United States. He does not really do much in the Senate. In fact, the only time he ever votes on an issue is when there is a 50-50 tie. 50-50 ties almost never happen, so the President of the Senate does almost nothing.
The President Pro Tempore
President Pro Tempore is the name given to the longest residing member of the Senate. He is third in the order of presidential succession. He is behind the Vice President, and the Speaker of the House.
Qualifications
In order to be qualified to earn a U.S. Senate seat, you must be all of the following.
- 30 years of age
- United States citizen for at least 9 years
- Legal resident of the state that you represent
