Senate
Definition
The Senate is one half (upper chamber) of Congress -the legislative branch- in US Government. It consists 100 members; two senators from each state serving six-year terms.
Analogy
Consider Senate as one parent in a two-parent family. Both parents (Senate and House of Representatives) have to agree on decisions, like passing laws, but each parent has unique responsibilities and powers.
Related terms
House of Representatives: The other half (lower chamber) of Congress. It consists 435 members who serve two-year terms. Representation is based on state population.
Filibuster: A tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate on it.
Cloture: This is a procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster. It requires three-fifths majority (currently 60 out of 100 senators) to pass.
"Senate" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (6)
AP US Government - 1.1 Ideals of Democracy
AP US Government - 2.1 Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives
AP US Government - 2.2 Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress
AP US Government - 2.11 Checks on the Judicial Branch
AP US Government - 2.15 Policy and the Branches of Government
AP US Government - 5.9 Congressional Elections
Practice Questions (9)
- What determines the number of senators representing each state in the Senate?
- What role does the Senate play in policy-making process?
- What role does the Senate play in the presidential appointment process?
- How does the Senate's role differ from that of the House when it comes to impeachment proceedings?
- Which statement accurately describes how Speaker of the House differs from the Majority Leader in the Senate?
- How does the filibuster rule in the Senate reflect a tension between majority rule and minority rights, similar to that seen in other democracies?
- If the Senate did not have the power to ratify treaties, how would it affect US foreign relationships?
- What happens when Senate refuses to confirm a president’s appointment to federal judgeship?
- What differentiates the powers of the House of Representatives from those of the Senate in impeachment proceedings?
Resources
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