Senate

Definition

The Senate is one half (upper chamber) of Congress -the legislative branch- in US Government. It consists 100 members; two senators from each state serving six-year terms.

Related terms

House of Representatives: The other half (lower chamber) of Congress. It consists 435 members who serve two-year terms. Representation is based on state population.

Filibuster: A tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate on it.

Cloture: This is a procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster. It requires three-fifths majority (currently 60 out of 100 senators) to pass.