1. Chapter 10 sections 3 and 4 Senate

2. Basics The Constitution says Senate “shall be composed of two Senators from each State.” So how many are there today?????? Originally, the Constitution provided that senators were chosen by the State legislatures. Now the Seventeenth Amendment calls for the popular election of senators. Senators serve for six-year terms.

3. Why 6 years Less subject to the pressures of public opinion and special interest They have more to do because there are less of them Higher Qualifications Upper House No Term limits Strom Thurmond (South Carolina) 9 terms 1954-2003

4. Continuous Body meaning that all of its seats are never up for election at the same time. Every 2 years (what date) 1/3 of the senators are up for reelections This means there is never a federal election where no senators are running Incumbents: running for re-election

5. Seniority Rule This is an unwritten rule about who gets the most important committee posts The best goes to the longest serving member Like how the Pro Tempore is chosen Most strict in choosing Committee chairs Criticism Not based on ability and discourages younger members Defense More experienced members=gets more respect

6. President of the Senate Vice President Joe Biden (D) Elected in general presidential election Chief presiding officer (constitutionally) of the Senate Cannot participate in floor debate Casts vote only in case of tie

7. President Pro Tempore Patrick Leahy (D) Chosen by majority party; often most senior member Presides over Senate in absence of vice-president

8. Senate Majority: Leader: Mitch McConnell (R) Chosen by majority party Majority. party leader in Senate Steers party’s bills through Senate Plans Senate’s work schedule in consultation with minority leader Whip: John Cornyn Chosen by majority party Assists Majority Leader Rounds up members for key votes Heads group of deputy whips

9. Senate Minority: Leader: Harry Reid (D) Chosen by minority party Minority party leader in Senate Develops criticisms of bills from majority party Consults with Majority Leader Tries to keep members working together Whip: Richard Durban (D) Chosen by minority party Assists Minority Leader Rounds up members for key votes Heads group of deputy whips

10. The differences between House and Senate HouseSenate 435 Members (larger body)100 Members (smaller body) 2 year terms of office6 year terms of office Less prestigeMore prestige Strict rules, limited debate timeFlexible rules, nearly unlimited debate time Most work is done in Committees not on the floor Work is split more evenly between committees and the floor Lower visibility in the news mediaHigher visibility in the news media

11. Compensation Congressmen make: $174,000 Fringe Benefits Special tax deductions Travel allowance Medical Insurance Retirement plan Franking privilege Mail things post free

12. Qualifications HouseSenate Age2530 ResidencyMust live in the state you are being elected from CitizenshipCitizen of US for 7 yearsCitizen of US for 9 years