U.S. Senate and Election United Essay

The similarities between these qualifications and those of the Senate are evident and in both instances, there is no reference of gender, ethnicity, or social position as a qualification. The term of a member of the House of Representatives is two years.

To become a member of either the House of Representatives or the Senate requires that the aspiring individual win an election to that position. Initially, the state legislatures appointed the Senators from each state. This practice was discontinued by the 17th Amendment to the constitution. The second of November is a critical date for the House and Senate; at that time, the people choose who will represent them by direct vote. In every general election cycle, one third of the Senate is up for reelection along with the entire House of Representatives. While the Senate will always contain previous members, it is theoretically possible to replace all the members of the House of Representatives during the election.The election is a usually a fiercely contested affair. The two major parties advance their candidates to contest the available positions. To receive the party's nomination a candidate is often required to win a primary. During the primary, multiple challengers contest the party's nomination and in general, the individual with the largest share of the votes becomes the party's candidate. This winning candidate then contests the election against the opposition candidate. The entire process requires tireless campaigning and fund raising; independent candidates and other minor party candidates can complicate it.

The formal qualifications for becoming a member of the Congress suggest that it is possible for any citizen who meets the criteria to become a member. The nature of the electoral process however may give greater support to wealth and power. The saving feature of the process is that ultimately the….....