Difference between revisions of "United States Senate"
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| − | + | The United States Senate is one of the two Houses of Congress. It is composed of 100 members, two from each of the 50 [[state]]s. The Senate convenes in [[Washington, D.C.]]. As of 2007, the Senate is equally divided, with 49 [[Republican]]s and 49 [[Democrat]]s. However [[Independent]]s [[Bernie Sanders]] and [[Joe Lieberman]] caucus with the [[Democratic Party]], giving Democrats the majority. | |
The position of '''President of the Senate''' is filled by the [[Vice President of the United States]], and he casts the deciding vote in case of a tie. If the Vice President is not present, the [[President Pro Tempore]] (currently [[Robert Byrd]]), casts the deciding vote in case of a tie. The Senate's current Majority Leader is [[Harry Reid]], and the Minority Leader is [[Mitch McConnell]]. [http://senate.gov/pagelayout/senators/a_three_sections_with_teasers/leadership.htm] | The position of '''President of the Senate''' is filled by the [[Vice President of the United States]], and he casts the deciding vote in case of a tie. If the Vice President is not present, the [[President Pro Tempore]] (currently [[Robert Byrd]]), casts the deciding vote in case of a tie. The Senate's current Majority Leader is [[Harry Reid]], and the Minority Leader is [[Mitch McConnell]]. [http://senate.gov/pagelayout/senators/a_three_sections_with_teasers/leadership.htm] | ||
Revision as of 20:37, June 11, 2007
The United States Senate is one of the two Houses of Congress. It is composed of 100 members, two from each of the 50 states. The Senate convenes in Washington, D.C.. As of 2007, the Senate is equally divided, with 49 Republicans and 49 Democrats. However Independents Bernie Sanders and Joe Lieberman caucus with the Democratic Party, giving Democrats the majority.
The position of President of the Senate is filled by the Vice President of the United States, and he casts the deciding vote in case of a tie. If the Vice President is not present, the President Pro Tempore (currently Robert Byrd), casts the deciding vote in case of a tie. The Senate's current Majority Leader is Harry Reid, and the Minority Leader is Mitch McConnell. [1]
See also U.S. Senate Glossary.
The Senate is named for the Roman Senate, the governing council of ancient Rome. The Latin word means a council of elders, and derives from the same Latin root as senior.
