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The Senate

The Senate. Chapter 10 Section 3. Key Terms. Continuous Body Constituency. Size, Election, Terms. Size The Constitution says “shall be composed of two Senators from each state” Smaller than the House Much larger than Framers imagined

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The Senate

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  1. The Senate Chapter 10 Section 3

  2. Key Terms Continuous Body Constituency

  3. Size, Election, Terms • Size • The Constitution says “shall be composed of two Senators from each state” • Smaller than the House • Much larger than Framers imagined • Framers hoped the smaller Senate would be more enlightened and responsible • Thought the House swayed by immediate events

  4. Senators have longer terms Set higher qualifications Madison saw it as “a necessary fence” and against the “fickleness and passion” of the House Each member represents an entire state Senators represent a much larger group

  5. Election • Originally Constitution stated members will be picked by state legislatures • 17 Amendment in 1913 • Only one Senator from each state is elected • Exception- if seat is vacated by death, resignation or expulsion • Before elections well liked and qualified

  6. Late 1800’s senate was called the “millionaires club” Senate twice defeated amendments for popular election Each Senator is elected at large from the states Constitution allows anyone qualified to vote for a House member to vote for a Senator

  7. Term • 6 years • No term limits • Senator Robert Bryd (D. West Virginia)served from 1958 and reelected 2006 • Only one third expire every two years • Continuous body • Gives greater job security

  8. Less subject to pressure Take in the “big picture” of national concerns Regarded as national political leaders House is large no as much attention Better able to capture the national media Prime source for presidential contenders Establish themselves as champions of public policy

  9. More likely to be covered by media in their state

  10. Qualifications • At least 30 years of age • Been a citizen of the United States for at least nine years • Be an inhabitant of the state from which you will be elected

  11. Informal qualifications • Party • Name familiarity • Gender • Ethnic characteristics • Political experience • fundraising

  12. The Senate can judge the qualifications of its members If challenged it may exclude membership with a majority vote Upper House has refused to seat someone three times (not done since 1867) Punish members with majority vote Expel members with 2/3’s vote

  13. 15 members have been expelled • One 1797 • 14 in 1861, 1862 were all from Confederate States • A few Senators have resigned • Most recent disorderly behavior was 1990 • David Durenberger • Several counts of financial misconduct • Durenberger did not seek reelection in 1994

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