Job Description of a Senator

The Senate makes up half of Congress.

The Senate is one half of Congress and is made up of 100 elected officials, two for each state in the union. These representatives initiate new laws and provide "checks and balances" to the executive branch of the United States government.

Primary Functions

Based upon the needs and requests of constituents, senators introduce bills (proposals for new laws) to Congress. Additionally, senators vote to consent or deny actions and appointments made by the president.

Committees

Senators are selected by Senate leadership to sit on various committees for the purpose of reviewing laws and proposing new ones. Examples of committees include the Judiciary Committee and the Special Committee on Aging.

Election

A senator is elected in a popular vote carried out within the state in which he is running. Election Day takes place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even numbered year.

Term Limits

A senator's term is limited to six years. There is no limit to how many terms a senator may serve.

Salary

Most senators receive a salary of $174,000 per year. Leadership, however, is paid $193,400.

Eligibility to Serve

To become a senator, a candidate must be at least 30 years old, a resident of the state in which he would like to represent and have been a citizen of the United States of America for a minimum of 9 years.

References

• Senate.gov