Three Branches of Government

The Senate

• 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

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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.”

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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?
• Do you have some ideas of your own?
• Why not write them a letter or send an email?
• You will find contact information at:

• http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

• Lesson 2