Filibuster: A strategy unique to the Senate whereby opponents of a piece of legislation use their right to unlimited debate to prevent the Senate from ever voting on a bill. Sixty members present and voting can halt a filibuster.
Strom Thurmond of South Carolina once talked for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957! The Constitution makes the vice president of the United States the president of the Senate. |
Minority leader and Majority leader both play a key role in the Senate leadership.
Senate is apportioned to represent states not population, so must base their decisions on what is best for the state as a whole. |
The details
- 100 members-Two chosen from each state
- Six year term
- Must be at least 30 years old
- American citizens for nine years
- Must reside in the state from which they are elected
- Have the Constitutional powers of giving "advice and consent" to many presidential nominations, must approve treaties, and tries impeached officials
- Generally less centralized
- Generally more prestige
- More influential on foreign affairs
- Unlimited debate