The Senate
The Upper House of Congress
Intended to not be bound totally by popular opinion
Represent
entire state A continuous body:
seats are up Term Length:
6 years Term Limit:
none
Originally elected by voters
17 Amendment changed procedures to election by voters.
Before this amendment the Senate was nicknamed the millionaire club due too the purchasing of seats.
Only one senator for each state is elected at any given election
Exceptions death, retirement
Formal
- have to be 30
- state residence
- citizen for 9 years
Informal
Other Senators can exclude a member with a majority vote
This has been done on 3 occasions
Senators have the power to punish their colleagues for disorderly conduct
With a majority vote the senate can expel one of its members
This has been done 15 times
14 of which were during the civil war