Senate
Definition
The upper chamber of Congress consisting of 100 members with two senators representing each state.
Explanation
The United States Senate is one of two chambers of Congress and serves as the upper chamber of the legislative branch. Each state elects two senators for six-year terms, regardless of the state's population. The Senate has significant powers including approving federal judges and Supreme Court justices, ratifying treaties, impeaching and removing federal officials, and electing the President in case of an Electoral College tie. The Senate is often called the deliberative body due to its longer deliberation processes and smaller size compared to the House of Representatives.
Why this matters for your test
Understanding the Senate's role, size, and powers is essential for the USCIS civics test. You should know how many senators there are, how they are elected, and what powers the Senate holds.
Source: USCIS 128 Civics Questions (2025)