Question

Discuss the organisation of the U.S. Senate.

Explain the composition of U.S. Senate.

Answer 1

1. Senate as the representative of states: The Senate serves as the representative of the states. The Senate represents all states of the Federation equally. The United States Senate is composed of two members from each state, regardless of population size. Given its tiny size, Nevada and New York both send two representatives to the Senate.
2. Composition: The United States has 50 states, each electing two representatives to the Senate. Hence, there are 100 members in the Senate. The U.S. federation promotes equal participation for all states. The US Constitution includes this feature.
3. Qualifications: A senator must be a US citizen, at least 30 years old, have lived in the US for 9 years, and reside in the state they represent.
4. Final judge of qualifications: The Senate has the final say on member qualifications and has the authority to expel them with a two-thirds majority.
5. Method of election: Senators are now chosen directly by the people (17th Amendment, 1913), having previously been elected by state legislatures.
6. Tenure: Senators serve six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years, creating a quasi-permanent body.
7. Quorum and Sessions: Meetings require a majority of members (51). Sessions are held simultaneously with the House of Representatives.
8. Privileges of Senators:
   1. No senator can be arrested in a civil case during a session.
   2. Senators cannot be compelled to be jurors or witnesses during sessions.
   3. Senate has the power to regulate its own debates and punish for contempt.
   4. Senators enjoy full freedom of speech without time limits.
   5. No one-hour rule like the House; Senators may speak multiple times on a matter.
   6. Filibuster allows prolonged speeches to delay or block bills.
   7. Ending a filibuster requires 2/3rd vote of the full Senate (as per the 1959 rule).
   8. Senators protect this free speech as a key legislative privilege.
9. Presiding officer of the Senate: The Vice President of the U.S. is the ex-officio Chairman of the Senate, voting only in a tie. In his absence, the President Pro-Tempore presides.