What Is The Senate

The United States Senate is composed of two senators who each represent their state. There are a total of 100 senators representing the 50 states. As a result of the 17th Amendments, senators are elected by popular vote within their own states. Senators serve staggered terms of six years.

The Senate president is the Vice President of the United State. When the Vice President is not sitting within the chambers, the president pro tempore (temporary president) presides and conducts the Senate. President pro tempore is traditionally the senior member of the political party that holds the majority of the seats within the Senate. As of this date, the Democratic party hold more seats making Patrick Leahy of Vermont the President pro tempore.

The Citizenship in the Nation merit badge has you naming the two senators for your state. You will need to write a letter to one of the senators sharing your view on a national issue that is currently happening.

Follow this link for the contact information of all senators within the 117th Congress.