Skip to content

Loading…

Loading

HomeAbout Contact

Loading…

Civics Matter

Empowering citizens through education, data, and news about civics and politics in the United States. Building a more informed and engaged democracy.

contact@civicsmatter.com

Explore

U.S. Congress
State Legislators
Governors
States
Counties
Districts

Learn

U.S. Constitution
Branches of Government
Supreme Court
Electoral College
Political Parties
Civics Glossary
How to Vote

Historical

U.S. Presidents
Vice Presidents
First Ladies
Presidential Elections
Speakers of the House
Senate Leaders
Congressional History

Quick Links

About Us
Blog
Contact
Search

Legal

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

© 2026 Civics Matter. All rights reserved. Building a more informed democracy.

Back to Glossary

Home
Glossary
Senate

Civics Glossary

Senate

Legislative

Last verified: June 2026

Definition

The upper chamber of Congress with 100 members (2 per state) serving 6-year terms.

Related Terms

Bicameral

A legislature with two separate chambers. The U.S. Congress is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote by extending debate indefinitely. Can only be ended by cloture (60 votes).

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress with 435 members apportioned by population. Members serve 2-year terms.

More Legislative Terms

Appropriation

A legislative act authorizing the expenditure of government funds for a specific purpose.

Bicameral

A legislature with two separate chambers. The U.S. Congress is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Bill

A proposed law introduced in Congress or a state legislature.

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party or interest group to discuss strategy, select candidates, or make policy decisions.

Cloture

A Senate procedure to end debate (a filibuster) and bring a matter to a vote. Requires 60 out of 100 senators.

Committee

A subgroup of legislators assigned to review, amend, and recommend action on bills related to a specific topic.

Share