The Three Branches of Government
The Senate
-The Senate has 100 members. Every state has 2 Senators, a Senator and a Junior Senator.
-Senators are elected to a 6 year term, which allows time for them to govern.
-There are several Constitutional requirements to consider before running for a seat in the Senate. You must be 30 years old, been a citizen for at least 9 years and you must be a resident of the state in which you are running for.
-The Senate has fewer rules than the House of Representatives when discussing bills. For example, the Senate allows for fillibusters (unlimited debate time which is used to kill a bill.)
-Senators are elected to a 6 year term, which allows time for them to govern.
-There are several Constitutional requirements to consider before running for a seat in the Senate. You must be 30 years old, been a citizen for at least 9 years and you must be a resident of the state in which you are running for.
-The Senate has fewer rules than the House of Representatives when discussing bills. For example, the Senate allows for fillibusters (unlimited debate time which is used to kill a bill.)
Leaders of the Senate
Vice President, Joe Biden (D)
-The President of the Senate is the Vice President of the United States. Currently, this position is held by Vice President Joe Biden. He is in charge of the Senate but can only vote if there is a tie.
-The President Pro Tempore (Robert Byrd) presides over the Senate when the President (Joe Biden) is absent. The President Pro Tempore is given to the longest serving member of the majority party.
-The Majority and Minority leaders hold the same position and responsibilities of those in the House of Representatives. They hold spokeperson positions for their parties and guide bills through Congress.
