Executive Legislative Judicial Executive

President

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The Senate

• Considered the “Upper Chamber,” it is con-

sidered more deliberative than the House.

• Comprised of 100 Senators (two from each 

state).

• Senators serve six-year terms, with no limit 

on the number of terms they may serve.

• For election purposes, senators are divided 

into three classes; one class stands for 

election every two years. This ensures that 

there are always experienced legislators 

serving in Congress.

• Vacancies in the Senate are generally fi lled 

by appointment by the governor of the 

state where the vacancy exists.

• The Vice President of the United States 

serves as the President of the Senate, 

voting only in cases of a tie.*

While sharing broad legislative powers 

with the House of Representatives, the 

Senate has several unique powers to itself:

• The Senate must confi rm presidential 

appointments to the Supreme Court, lower 

federal courts, and key positions within the 

Executive Branch before the appointees 

can take offi ce.

• The Senate approves or rejects international 

treaties negotiated by the President.

• In cases of impeachment of the President 

or a member of the Supreme Court, the full 

Senate conducts the trial and acts as jury.