SENATE

Do individual members have more or less freedom than in the house of reps?

More freedom

Vice President

Not an elected senator

May recognize members and put questions to a vote

“Easy”; doesn’t have many duties

President Pro Tempore

Temporary vice president of the OG is out

Elected from majority party

Long serving member

Majority and Minority Leaders

Both PARTY officials

Whips support leaders and ensure attendance

Majority leader steers their party’s bills thru senate and ensures party attendance

Minority leader critiques majority party bills, keeps own party united

How many votes needed to approve treaties, overturn presidential vetoes, remove federal officials?

2/3 of senate

How many senators required to pass a bill? (Without filibuster)

51

Calendar of General Orders

For all bills senate will consider

Executive calendar

for scheduling treaties and nominations

Unanimous Consent

When All members set aside formal rules and consider a bill

Holds are threats to object, and a single hold/objection can stop it

Filibuster

Any actions to prevent a bill from coming to a vote

Technically makes 60 votes necessary to pass a bill

Strategies include “talking bill to death”

Cloture resolution can stop it

Cloture resolution

60 votes to end a filibuster

In 2013 senate prevented the need for 60 votes for all presidential nominees (except for Supreme Court)