The Senate 10.3

Objectives: Compare the size of the Senate to the size of the House of Representatives. Describe how States have elected senators in the past and present. Explain how and why a senator’s term differs from a representative’s term. Identify the qualifications for serving in the Senate.

Importance Each State has two seats in the Senate Smaller and more prestigious house of Congress. Senators are generally older and more experienced than representatives longer terms offer some protection against political pressures.

Size, Election, and Terms 2 per state Represent entire states. Until 1913—chosen by State legislatures. 17th Amendment. Now elected statewide.

Size, Election, and Terms (cont.) 6 years Terms are staggered 33 or 34 each 2 year election. Continuous body. Larger constituencies---bigger picture.

Qualification for Senators 30 years of age. Citizen of the U.S. for 9 years. An inhabitant of the State from which they are elected.