United States Senate

United States Senate

The United States Senate is one part of the United States Congress. It is called the upper house, while the U.S. House of Representatives is the lower house. Together, they help make and pass federal laws.

The Senate has 100 senators, two from each of the 50 states. Senators serve staggered six-year terms. They meet in a special room in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C..

The Senate helps make sure all federal laws are okay. It has special jobs to keep the government's power balanced. For example, the Senate must agree to some of the president's choices for important jobs. It must also agree to treaties, which are agreements with other countries.

Senators used to be chosen by state leaders, but since 1913, they are elected directly by the people in each state. The Senate helps balance the powers of the president and the courts, making sure the government works fairly.

The Senate first met in 1789, inspired by the ancient Roman Senate. The word "senate" comes from Latin, meaning a council of elders. Today, there are 50 states, so the Senate has 100 senators.