Question

Why has the Senate traditionally been the more collegial body of Congress?

A) Longer terms: Senators serve six-year terms, allowing for more stability and continuity in relationships and interactions among members.
B) Smaller membership: With only 100 members, the Senate has a more intimate setting, fostering closer relationships and increased opportunities for collaboration.
C) Filibuster rules: The Senate's filibuster rules, which allow extended debate on legislation, encourage negotiation and compromise among members.
D) Tradition and history: The Senate's long-standing reputation as the "upper chamber" of Congress has cultivated a culture of respect and collegiality among its members.

Answer 1

The Senate is more collegial due to its longer six-year terms, smaller membership, and unique rules like the filibuster. These factors foster stability, closer relationships, and encourage negotiation, making the Senate a chamber that tempers the House's volatility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Senate has traditionally been the more collegial body of Congress for several reasons. First, Senators serve six-year terms, which offers more stability and allows them time to engage in fence-mending to recover from unpopular decisions. This length of term stands in contrast to the House, where members are always close to their next election due to their two-year terms, thereby facing constant pressure from constituents. Secondly, the Senate's smaller membership of 100 allows for a more intimate setting that fosters closer relationships and better opportunities for collaboration. Contested legislation often requires more moderate and deliberative action because of the broader constituencies senators represent compared to House members. Lastly, the Senate has unique rules like the filibuster, which encourages extended debate and can prompt negotiation and compromise.

These factors contribute to a chamber where collaboration and a long-term perspective on legislation are more feasible. The Senate is often seen as a check on the more volatile House, with its power to cool the passions coming from the House and its distinct advice and consent powers.