The legislative branch of government has responsibilities which in
many cases transcend the process of enactment of legislation. Among
these are the Senate's power of advice and consent with regard to
treaties and nominations. The preeminent role of the legislative
branch, however, is its concern with legislation.
"All
legislative Powers" granted to the Federal government by the
Constitution, as stated in Article I, Section I, are vested in a
Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and
House of Representatives. The Congress meets at least once a year and
has been doing so since 1789 in the following locations: from March 4,
1789 through August 12, 1790, in Federal Hall, New York, New York; from
December 6, 1790 through December 2, 1799, in Congress Hall,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvani; and from November 17, 1800, at the Capitol,
in Washington, D. C.
Since the Constitution prescribes that
there be two Senators from each State, the Senate is presently composed
of 100 Members. Also pursuant to the Constitution, a Senator must be at
least 30 years of age, have been a citizen of the United States for
nine years, and, when elected, be a resident of the State for which the
Senator is chosen. The term of office is six years and approximately
one-third of the total membership of the Senate is elected every second
year.
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