The United States Senate is the upper house of Congress, meeting in the Capitol’s north wing and sharing federal legislative power with the House of Representatives. Created by the Constitution and first convened in 1789, it embodies the Connecticut Compromise by giving every state equal representation through two senators serving staggered six-year terms. Originally chosen by state legislatures, senators have been elected statewide by popular vote since the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913. Beyond legislation, the Senate confirms presidential appointments, approves treaties by a two-thirds vote, tries impeachments, and in rare circumstances may elect the vice president, making it a central part of the federal system of checks and balances.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Washington, District of Columbia · USA