Expert: Dennis - 2/16/2006

Question
Between a state's 2 senators, does one have to be a Republican and the other Democrat?
Could you please explain the duties of senators as opposed to the duties of the House of Representatives? Are senators supposed to be the head of state? What about the governor then?
I guess I am a little confused about the functions and duties of these individuals and I would appreciate some education on the same.

Thank You

Answer
No, whoever is elected by the voter becomes a Senator. If the people elect two Republicans, then they are two Republicans.

The duties are pretty much the same as Congressmen (both chambers pass legislation), but the Senate has some extra powers. It approves (or disapproves) a number of presidential appointments, it must approve (or disapprove) treaties with foreign powers, and it can hold a trial of a federal official.

For instance, the House of Representatives impeached Bill Clinton (basically indicted him), and the Senate held the trial (they found him not guilty of the charges sent up by the House).

Senators are federal officials, and have very little power within a state. They represent the citizens of the state, and can approve some federal appointments in the state, but they actually have nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the state government. That is the duty of the Governor, who is the chief administrator of the state government.