Understanding the U.S. Senate: How It Works and Why It Matters

The U.S. Constitution lays out the rules for how our government operates. Article I, Section 3 focuses on the Senate, the other half of Congress. While the House of Representatives gives a voice to the people based on population, the Senate gives each state an equal say.

The Exact Text of Article I, Section 3

Section 3.
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

A Simpler Version

Recent studies show most Americans read at about a sixth grade level. Here’s the same information in simpler words:

The Senate is made up of two Senators from each state. Senators serve for six years. Each Senator gets one vote.

After the first election, Senators are split into three groups. This way, every two years, about one-third of the Senate is up for election. If a Senator leaves before their term is over, the state’s governor can pick someone to fill the spot until the state legislature chooses a new Senator.

To be a Senator, you must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for nine years, and live in the state you want to represent.

The Vice President of the United States leads the Senate but only votes if there is a tie.

The Senate picks its own leaders, including a President pro tempore, who leads when the Vice President is not there.

The Senate is the only group that can hold impeachment trials. If the President is on trial, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is in charge. It takes two-thirds of the Senators present to find someone guilty.

If someone is found guilty in an impeachment trial, they can only be removed from office and banned from holding government jobs in the future by the Senate, but the Senate can not convict them of any crimes. They can still be charged and tried in regular court.

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What Does It Mean?

The Senate is one of the two parts of Congress. Every state, big or small, gets two Senators. This gives all states an equal voice in making laws, since the House members are chosen by population and there are the same number of Senators for each state.

Senators serve six-year terms. But not all Senators are elected at the same time. After the first group was chosen, the Senate was divided into three groups. Every two years, about one-third of the Senate seats are up for election. This keeps the Senate stable and makes sure there are always experienced members.

If a Senator leaves office early, the governor of that state can pick someone to serve until the state legislature chooses a new Senator. Today, most states let the governor appoint a replacement until a special election is held.

To be a Senator, you must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for nine years, and live in the state you want to represent. These rules are meant to make sure Senators have enough experience and know the people they serve.

The Vice President of the United States is the official leader of the Senate. The Vice President only votes if there is a tie. When the Vice President is not there, the Senate picks another leader called the President pro tempore.

Pro Tempore is a Latin phrase that means “for the time being.”

The Senate has a special job when it comes to impeachment. If the House of Representatives votes to impeach a government official, the Senate holds the trial. If the President is on trial, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is in charge. It takes a two-thirds vote to find someone guilty.

If someone is convicted in an impeachment trial, the only punishment the Senate can give is to remove them from office and stop them from holding another government job. But that person can still be charged and tried in regular court.

The Senate is a key part of our government. It helps make laws, checks the power of the President, and makes sure every state has a say in how the country is run.

What is Civics?: Civics is the study of how the government works and what it means to be a good citizen. It teaches us about our rights and responsibilities, like voting, following laws, and helping our communities. Civics also helps us understand the rules that keep our country running, like the Constitution, and how leaders are chosen to make decisions. Sadly, our schools have failed in the area of teaching the last several generations about civics. In response, The Georgia Sun will regularly educate readers on civics because informed residents and voters who know and understand their rights are the backbone of a truly free society.