Article I, Section II of the Constitution says that each state shall have at least one U.S. Representative, while the total size of a state's delegation to the House depends on
its population
. The number of Representatives also cannot be greater than one for every thirty thousand people.
How are state senators and representatives elected?
Until the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913, Senators were chosen by state legislatures, not by popular vote. Since then, they have been elected to six-year terms by the people of each state. Senators' terms are staggered so that about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection every two years.
How are the number of senators and representatives decided for each state?
Under this plan, the Senate and the House would base their membership on the same proportional “right of suffrage.” That is, the number of senators in each state would be determined by its population of free citizens and slaves. …
How many senators represent each state?
The Senate holds certain unique powers and obligations. Its makeup is different too: two senators represent each state, and senators serve staggered six-year terms.
How are 2 senators elected?
Each state is equally represented by two senators who serve staggered terms of six years. … From 1789 to 1913, senators were appointed by legislatures of the states they represented. They are now elected by popular vote following the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913.
Who elects senators?
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote.
Do states have varying numbers of senators?
“
The Senate shall be composed of two senators from each state
” appears to be a single provision, the designated number of senators per state. Delegates agreed to this number, however, only after they had considered a larger matter: legislative representation.
What 3 states have the most representatives?
- State with the most: California (53), same as in 2000.
- States with the fewest (only one district “at-large”): Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming. Alaska and Wyoming are the only states that have never had more than one district.
How many terms can a senator serve?
The Senate has a membership of 40 Senators elected for 4-year terms, 20 to begin every 2 years. During his or her lifetime a person may serve no more than 12 years in the Senate, Assembly, or both, in any combination of terms.
What is the difference between a congressman and a senator?
For this reason, and in order to distinguish who is a member of which house, a member of the Senate is typically referred to as Senator (followed by “name” from “state”), and a member of the House of Representatives is usually referred to as Congressman or Congresswoman (followed by “name” from the “number” district of …
What do state senators do?
A senator's job is to represent the people at a higher level than a state representative in the lower house.
What are 3 powers only the Senate can do?
The
Senate takes action on bills, resolutions, amendments, motions, nominations, and treaties by voting
. Senators vote in a variety of ways, including roll call votes, voice votes, and unanimous consent.
How often do we vote for senators?
A Senate term is six years long, so senators may choose to run for reelection every six years unless they are appointed or elected in a special election to serve the remainder of a term.
Are senators elected by popular vote?
From 1789 to 1913, when the Seventeenth Amendment
Do senators represent the whole state?
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives each represent a portion of their state known as a Congressional District, which averages 700,000 people. Senators however, represent the entire state.
Can a senator be sued for slander because of things said in a speech on the floor of the Senate?
Senators or
Representatives cannot be sued for slander occurring
during Congressional debate. … Any bill except for revenue bills may originate in either House of Congress.