Senate Outline

The Senate 
The Upper House of Congress
Intended to not be bound totally by popular opinion
Represent   entire state                 
A continuous body:  There is a never time in which all seats are up for election at once 
Term Length:  Six years           
Term Limit:   Unlimited                                   

Originally elected by State Legislatures                                           

17 Amendment changed procedures to election by voters.

Before this amendment the Senate was nicknamed the   Millionaires Club   due too the purchasing of seats.

Only one senator for each state is elected at any given election

Exceptions   Death and Retirement     

Formal 

1. 30 years of age
2. Lived in the United States for 9 years
3. Inhabitant of state

Informal

1. party, name familiarity, gender, race, political experience, fundraising ability

Other Senators can exclude a member with a majority vote

This has been done on    3      occasions

Senators  have the power to punish their colleagues for disorderly conduct

With a two thirds                    vote the senate can expel one of its members

This has been done    15          times

14 of which were during the    Civil War