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The U.S. Congress: The Senate
There are a total of 100 members in the Senate. The Constitution
states that the vice president has formal control over the Senate and
is known as the president of the Senate. In actuality, the vice president
is only present for important ceremonies and to cast a tie-breaking
vote.
Senators, elected for six-year terms,
must be 30 years old, a citizen for at least nine years, and a resident
of the state from which they are elected.
As in the House, the Senate also
has special jobs that only it can perform. It can:
- Confirm or disapprove any treaties the President
drafts.
- Confirm or disapprove the Presidential appointments,
such as the Cabinet, officers, Supreme Court justices, and ambassadors.
- Holds a trial for a Government official who
commits a crime against the country.
To learn more, choose from the
following:
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