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?
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