Senate

The Senate is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the House of Representatives. It is a part of the legislative branch of the federal government and plays a crucial role in the lawmaking process.

Composition

The Senate is composed of 100 senators, two from each state, regardless of the state's population. Senators serve six-year terms and one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Senate has several important roles and responsibilities, including:

Passing legislation: The Senate, along with the House of Representatives, has the power to propose, debate, and vote on bills that can become laws.
Confirming presidential appointments: The Senate must confirm the President's nominees for positions such as Supreme Court justices, cabinet members, and ambassadors.
Ratifying treaties: The Senate has the authority to approve or reject treaties negotiated by the President.
Acting as a check on the executive branch: The Senate has the power to oversee and investigate the actions of the executive branch, including the President and federal agencies.

Leadership

The Senate is led by the Vice President of the United States, who serves as the President of the Senate. In the Vice President's absence, the President pro tempore, a senior member of the majority party, presides over the Senate's proceedings.

Study Guide

What is the composition of the Senate?
What are the roles and responsibilities of the Senate?
Who leads the Senate?
How are senators elected?
What is the significance of the Senate in the lawmaking process?

Understanding the role and functioning of the Senate is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the United States government and its legislative processes.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Westward Expansion

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the foundations of the American political system? What are the distinctive characteristics of American society?

Distinctive characteristics of American society. Students should be able to identify and explain the importance of historical experience and geographic, social, and economic factors that have helped to shape American society. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Explain important factors that have helped shape American society

Effects of a frontier

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

United States History Content Standards

Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)

United States territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it affected relations with external powers and Native Americans.

The student understands the international background and consequences of the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine.

The student understands the ideology of Manifest Destiny, the nation's expansion to the Northwest, and the Mexican-American War.

How the industrial revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement changed the lives of Americans and led toward regional tensions.

The student understands the settlement of the West.

Era 6: The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)

How the rise of corporations, heavy industry, and mechanized farming transformed the American people.

The student understands how agriculture, mining, and ranching were transformed.