Article I, Section 3

Clause 1 Each State has two Senators who serve six-year terms and have one vote each. Originally, they were chosen by the State Legislatures. This was changed by the 17th Amendment which provided for a popular election.

Clause 2 To make the Senate a 'continuing body,' the seats in the Senate are divided into three groups. Every two years, one-third of the Senate's seats are up for election. Originally, if a vacancy occured when the State's legislature was in recess, the governor could temporarily appoint someone until a replacement could be elected at the next meeting of the legislature. Similarly, this was changed by the 17th Amendment which now states that a vacancy is to be filled by a special election. A temporary appointment may be made until this election takes place.

Clause 3 To be a member of the Senate, one must be at least thirty years old, have been a United States Citizen for at least nine years, and reside in the State in which he or she represents.

Clause 4 The Vice President presides over the Senate but does not vote unless there is a tie.

Clause 5 The Senate chooses their other officers, including a President pro tempore, who, in the absence of the Vice President, presides over the Senate.

Clause 6 The Senate tries those who the House of Representatives has impeached. The Vice President presides over the trial, unless the President is on trial in which case the Chief Justice presides. A two-thirds vote of the members present is required to convict anyone on trial.

Clause 7 The only punishment a convicted official can receive in an impeachment case is removal from his or her office and disqualification from holding any other federal position. However, that person may still be tried for the same offense by a regualr court of law.

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© Copyright 1997 Jonathan Chin & Alan Stern