Understanding the U.S. Senate's Role and Functions

What is the primary difference in representation between the Senate and the House of Representatives?

The Senate represents entire states, while the House represents smaller districts.

How many senators are there in the Senate?

100 senators.

What is the term length for a senator?

6 years.

How often do Senate elections occur?

Every 2 years, with approximately 1/3 of the senators (33) up for election at a time.

What is meant by the Senate being a 'Continuous Body'?

The Senate never elects all 100 senators at the same time; elections are staggered.

What is a filibuster?

A prolonged speech used to delay a vote or bring up an issue, typically employed by the minority party.

Who holds the record for the longest filibuster?

Cory Booker (Democrat, NJ) at 25 hours and 6 minutes.

What is the Senate's role in confirming presidential appointments?

The Senate confirms appointments of the President, including Supreme Court justices, federal judges, cabinet members, ambassadors, and department heads.

What majority is required for the Senate to confirm presidential nominations?

A simple majority (51 out of 100).

What is a peace treaty?

An agreement between two or more countries to stop war or maintain peace.

What majority is required for the Senate to approve a peace treaty?

A super-majority (67 out of 100).

What change did the 17th Amendment bring to the election of senators?

It allowed citizens to directly elect senators, removing the state legislature's power to appoint them.

How many times has impeachment been tried in the Senate?

Impeachment has been tried 21 times.

What is the required majority in the Senate to convict an official during impeachment?

A super-majority (2/3 or 67 votes).

What is the outcome of the impeachment trials for Presidents?

No President has been convicted; 0 out of 4 were found guilty.

What is the Senate's role in impeachment trials?

The Senate acts as the jury, listening to testimony and evidence.

How long do impeachment trials in the Senate typically last?

1 to 2 weeks.

What is the significance of the Senate being referred to as the 'Upper House'?

It is considered more important than the House of Representatives due to its longer terms, smaller size, and broader representation.

What is the maximum number of senators that can be elected from the same state in a single election?

Two senators from the same state cannot be elected in the same year.

What does 'seniority does not matter' imply in the context of the Senate?

Seniority does not influence the power or influence of senators in the same way it might in the House.

What are the two current senators from Pennsylvania mentioned in the notes?

Dave McCormick (Republican) and John Fetterman (Democrat).