Since 1959, the Senate has had 100 members, 2 from each state. Senators are elected for 6-year terms, but not all Senators are elected at the same time. Each Senator must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years and a resident of the state in which he/she is elected.. The leader of the Senate is the Vice President. The Vice President can only vote if there is a deadlock. If he or she is absent, the President pro tempore of the Senate takes his/her place. The President pro tempore is a Senator chosen by the other Senators. Pro tempore is a Latin phrase meaning "for the time being" (for now).
The Senate alone confirms presidential appointments and treaties. The Senate also has "the sole power to try all impeachments," which, however, may be initiated only by the House of Representatives.
