How many members are there in the Senate?

The Senate is composed of 100 members, with each of the 50 states represented by two senators. This structure is established by the U.S. Constitution, which ensures equal representation for every state, regardless of population size. This design contrasts with the House of Representatives, where membership is based on the population of each state. The two-senator rule contributes to a balance of power among states and plays a critical role in federal legislative processes. Each senator serves a six-year term, and elections for Senate seats are staggered, occurring every two years for about one-third of the Senate, ensuring that the Senate is a continuous body rather than entirely renewed at once.