Each of the 50 states sends 2 people to the Senate, so there are a total of 100 senators. This means that each state has equal representation in the Senate.
Pennsylvania 2 Delaware 2
Lesson 2
The Senate
Lesson 2
Each senator serves a term of 6 years. When their 6-year term is over, the people from that state may choose to elect a new senator or keep the same one.
Thinking about running for Senate? You must:
Be at least 30 years old
Be a U.S. citizen for the past 9 years
Live in the state you represent
Special Duties of the Legislature
In addition to making laws, the House and the Senate each have some special duties:
Senate can:
Vote on any treaties the President makes
Review and approve Presidential appointees, such as Cabinet Secretaries and Supreme Court justices
Hold a trial for a government official who does something wrong
House of Representatives can:
Recommend tax bills to become law
Decide if a government official should be put on trial before the Senate if s/he commits a crime against the country
Lesson 2
Did You Know???
When Philadelphia was the capital of the United States, the House and Senate met in Independence Hall. The Senate met on the upper floor and the House met on the lower floor. Even today, the Senate is referred to as the “Upper House” and the House
of Representatives is
called the” Lower House.”
Lesson 2
Dig a Little Deeper
Who is YOUR Representative?
How long have they been in office?
What are some of their ideas on the issues you are interested in?
