by Alex Sadovski
- The Senate is composed of 100 Senators, 2 for each state.
- Until the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913, Senators were chosen by state legislatures, not by popular vote.
- Since then, Senators have been elected to six-year terms by the people of each state.
- Senator's terms are staggered so that about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection every two years.
- Senators must be 30 years of age, U.S. citizens for at least nine years, and residents of the state they represent.
- The Senate has the sole power to confirm those of the President's appointments that require consent, and to ratify treaties.