Why is the Senate important?

The Senate's chief importance comes from the unique powers that Senators have, which make them effective and influential in the policy progress. For instance, a significant power at the moment is filibustering, in which a Senator can basically veto a bill by refusing to stop talking until the bill expires. This is because Senators cannot be forced off the Senate floor while they are making a speech. Nancy Pelosi was in the news recently for filibustering for more than eight hours to prevent a bill against immigration. Senators also have longer terms of six years, which means they can focus more on the actual policy progress rather than the issue of getting re-elected, which occupies a lot of time for House Representatives. Also, while the House of Representatives initiates impeachment proceedings, the Senate adjudicates and a two-thirds majority is required to impeach. 

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Answered by Isadora M. Government and Politics tutor

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