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The Senate

Each of the 50 states sends 2 people to the Senate, so there are a total of 100 senators. This means that each state has equal representation in the Senate. Each senator serves a term of 6 years. When their 6 year term is over, the people from that state may choose to elect a new senator or keep the same one. There is no limit on the number of terms a senator can serve.

Representation in the Senate is the same for each state.

Senators must:

  • Be at least 30 years old.
  • Be a U.S. citizen for the past 9 years.
  • Live in the state they represent.

The Senate has special jobs that only it can do. It can:

  • Say yes or no to any treaties the president makes.
  • Say yes or no to any people the president recommends for jobs, such as cabinet officers, Supreme Court justices, and ambassadors.
  • Can hold a trial for a government official who does something very wrong.

A service of the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office.

Last updated: December 13, 1999
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