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The Senate

The Senate. The Upper House. About 1/3 of the members of the Senate have served in the House of Representatives House is a stepping stone to Senate It is seen as a more distinguished position It has more stringent requirements for election Thus, it is called the “upper house”.

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The Senate

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  1. The Senate

  2. The Upper House • About 1/3 of the members of the Senate have served in the House of Representatives • House is a stepping stone to Senate • It is seen as a more distinguished position • It has more stringent requirements for election • Thus, it is called the “upper house”

  3. Size of the Senate • We know that is has two Senators from each state • Total of 100 (50 x 2) • But why? • The Framers though it would be “more enlightened and responsible” if it we smaller • The Senate is driven by stability and the future • The House is driven by the now and popular sentiment

  4. The Senate Chambers

  5. Current Senate Breakdown

  6. Election to the Senate • Election process for the Senate has been changed since the adoption of the Constitution • Prior to 1913, they were chosen by state legislatures • Leaders always tried to manipulate the system • Bribes were not uncommon • The 17th Amendment brought the direct election of Senators • They are elected in November in the general election

  7. Terms in the Senate • Senators are elected for six year terms • There is no term limit in the Senate • Senators’ terms are staggered • Only 1/3 are elected every two years • The six year term gives them greater job security • They are less prone to special interest groups • They are able to grab more national attention • They focus on the big picture more • 16 Senators have gone on to be President

  8. Robert Byrd, D-WV (51 years, 176 days)

  9. Daniel Inouye, D-HI (49 years, 349 days)

  10. Strom Thurmond, R-SC (47 years, 159 days)

  11. Presidents Who Were Senators • Richard Nixon • Benjamin Harrison • Barack Obama • John Quincy Adams • J.F.K. • Harry Truman • Franklin Pierce • Martin Van Buren • W.H.H. • Warren Harding • James Buchanan • Andrew Jackson • Andrew Johnson • L.B.J. • James Monroe • John Tyler

  12. Qualifications for the Senate • Senators must be 30 years old • Senators must have been a citizen for 9 years • Senators must live in the state they are elected from • These are slightly high requirements than the House of Representatives • The same types of informal requirements apply for Senators as well • Like the House, members may be expelled or not seated for various reasons

  13. Henry Clay (29 years old)

  14. Armistead Thomson Mason(28 years old)

  15. John Eaton(28 years old)

  16. Punishment and Expulsion • Fifteen members have been expelled from the Senate in its history • One in 1797 (organizing an attack on Spanish Florida) • Fourteen during the Civil War (confederate Senators for supporting secession) • Although not common, people are reprimanded and resign on their own accord • Bob Packwood in 1995

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