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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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