Qualification, Rules, Leadership & Procedures The Senate Qualification, Rules, Leadership & Procedures

Qualifications Incumbent: members who are already in office 30 years old Citizens of the U.S. for 9 yrs before election Legal residents of the state they represent Elected at-large or statewide 6 year terms 1/3 of the Senate elected every 2 years

Rules & Leadership Fewer rules and they are more flexible Leadership: Debate for weeks or months before taking action Leadership: Senate has no Speaker Vice President: presides over the Senate Does not vote except in a tie Cannot take part in debate Influence: allowed personal contact with Senators President pro tempore: “for the time being” Elected, from the majority party and usually senior member Patrick Leahy

Majority & Minority Floor Leaders Most important officers in the Senate Elected by their political parties “party officials” Majority Leader Steers bill through the Senate Plans work schedule & agenda Minority Leader Develops criticism of majority’s bills Keeps minority party working together Harry Reid Mitch McConnell

Scheduling Bills Any member may introduce a Bill Senate leader controls how the bills move through committees, debate and vote 2 Calendars: The Calendar of General Orders: lists all bills for consideration Executive Calendar: schedules treaties and nominations Unanimous consent to bring the bill to the floor A motion by all members to set aside formal rules and consider a bill from the calendar

Filibuster Stalling the legislative process and prevent vote ‘tactic” that includes talking continuously 3/5 of Senate (60 Members) can vote for Cloture: Can stop the filibuster Procedure that allows a Senator to speak only 1 hour on a bill under debate