Size Constitution says each state must have TWO senators First Senate had only 22 members when it first met in 1789 26 members by end of First Congress in 1791 100 senators today50 states Framers believed Senate would be more enlightened and responsible ID: 559184
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Slide1
The SenateSlide2
Size
Constitution says each state must have TWO senators
First Senate had only 22 members when it first met in 1789
26 members by end of First Congress in 1791
100 senators today(50 states)
Framers believed Senate would be more enlightened and responsible
Less swayed by public opinion
Gave them longer term and more duties
Hoped this would make them a cut above the HouseSlide3
Election
Senators represent the entire state (at-large)
Constitution says senators were to be chosen by each state’s legislature
Sometimes men tried to buy votes to get in the Senate
By late 1800’s, often called the “
Millionaires’ Club
”
17
th
Amendment
provides for the people to elect senators nowSlide4
Term
Senators serve for 6 years – unlimited terms
1/3 of the terms expire every two years
It is a
continuous body
– all of the seats are NEVER up for election at the same timeSlide5
Senators have larger constituencies
than House members
So this should make them more focused on the “big picture”
Senate is a prime source for presidential candidates
They have more influence than House membersSlide6
Qualifications
Must be at least 30 years old
Must have been a citizen for 9 years
Must live in the state he or she is representing
Senate (like the House) may also:
Refuse to seat a member
Punish them for “disorderly behavior”
Expel members
15 senators have been expelled
Others have resigned rather than be expelled