The Senate is one of the bodies of the Legislative Branch.
Senate is a notion that derives from the Latin senātus and that allows to name one of the bodies of the Legislative Power , composed of members ( senators ) who are elected by the population through elections or, in some cases, appointed by an authority.
Written with an initial capital letter, the concept is used to name this political assembly and the room where the senators' sessions are held. Countries that have a senate are usually those organized under a federal and bicameral system.
The Senate, a chamber of the Legislative Branch
In this context, the Legislative Branch of a federal republic with bicameralism has a congress or parliament divided into two chambers : the Chamber of Deputies , also known as the Lower House , and the Senate or Upper House .
Although the characteristics vary from country to country, the Chamber of Deputies is usually made up of representatives elected by the entire population, while the Senate is made up of representatives elected by territory ( states , provinces , etc.). The link between the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate depends on the nation's Constitution .
In Canada , for example, members of the Senate are chosen by the Governor General in agreement with the Prime Minister . There are 105 senators , whose seats are allocated according to region .
Representatives elected in each territory of a nation usually reach the Senate.
The case of Spain
The Senate in Spain is known by the name of the Upper House of the Cortes Generales , it represents the Spanish people and is currently made up of a total of 266 members, although this is variable. Its members are elected primarily by universal, free, equal, direct and secret suffrage of the citizens at a rate of 4 senators per province, although the larger islands elect 3 and the smaller islands 1. Without forgetting that the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla elect 2 each.
Other interesting facts about the Senate in Spain are the following:
- Its senators serve a term of four years.
- It has several important bodies and positions such as the President, the Board, the Board of Spokespersons, the commissions, the parliamentary groups, the Permanent Deputation and the territorial groups.
- It performs three fundamental functions: political , territorial integration and legislative.
The Senate of Argentina
The Argentine Senate is made up of members directly elected by the population.
In this Upper House there are, for each province, three representatives in addition to the three senators for the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires , who are elected to serve periods of six years each.
The Roman Institution
Undoubtedly, the well-known Roman Senate has played a fundamental role in history, as it was one of the most important institutions of Ancient Rome . A total of 300 magistrates were those who formed this body, which was not only responsible for directing foreign policy , religion and finances, but also for ratifying the laws that had been voted by the comitia.
Initially, it was composed of only 30 patricians and its role was essentially advisory. However, over time and, above all, with the establishment of the Republic , its role was increased.