The Senate Membership
Ruth Nock
Qualifications
The senate has to be at least 30 years old and a citizen of the united states for 9 years before election, and legal resident of the state they represent.
Term Of Office
Elections for the senate are held in November of even numbered years.
Senators begin their terms on January 3.
Senators are given 6 year terms and by providing that only one-third of the senators would run for reelection every 2 years.
If a Senator dies or resigns before the end of the term, the state legislature may authorize the governor to appoint someone to fill their position until the next election.
Salary & Benefits
The Senate and the House set their own salaries.
A Senate makes a 174,000 a year.
When a Senate retire, Senators and Representatives may be eligible for pensions of 150,000 or more a year for life.
Members also receive large allowances to pay for their office staff and assistants, trips home, telephones, telegrams, and newsletter.
Privileges
Senators are free from arrest "in all cases execpt treason, felony, and breach of the peace".
Senators cannot be sued for anything they say on the House or Senate floor.
The Senate can judge members qualifications and decide whether to seat them.