Senate of Chile facts for kids
The Senate of Chile is a very important part of the Chilean government. Think of it as one of the two main groups of people who make laws for the country. It's like the "upper house" of the National Congress of Chile, which is where all the big decisions about laws are made. The way the Senate works is set out in the Chilean Constitution, which is the main rulebook for the country.
Quick facts for kids Senate of the Republic of ChileSenado de la República de Chile |
|
|---|---|
| 54th National Congress | |
Seal
|
|
| Type | |
| Type | |
|
Term limits
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None |
| Leadership | |
|
Andrés Zaldívar, Christian Democratic Party
Since March 21, 2017 |
|
|
Vice-President
|
Adriana Muñoz D'Albora, PPD
Since July 7, 2015 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 38 |
 |
|
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Political groups
|
New Majority (21)
Chile Vamos (14)
Out of pact (3):
|
| Elections | |
| Binomial System | |
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Last election
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November 19, 2017 |
|
Next election
|
November 21, 2021 |
| Meeting place | |
| Senate Chamber, National Congress Building, Valparaíso, Chile | |
| Website | |
| http://www.senado.cl | |
Contents
What is the Senate of Chile?
The Senate is one of the two parts of Chile's main law-making body, called the National Congress of Chile. It works alongside the Chamber of Deputies of Chile, which is the "lower house." Together, these two groups make sure that new laws are carefully thought about and approved before they become official.
How Many Members Does the Senate Have?
The Senate of Chile has 38 members, who are called senators. These senators are elected by the people of Chile to represent them. They serve for a period of eight years. This is a longer term than many other elected officials, giving them more time to work on important issues.
Where Does the Senate Meet?
The senators meet in the Senate Chamber, which is located in the National Congress Building. This important building is in the city of Valparaíso, Chile. Valparaíso is a beautiful port city on the coast.
What Do Senators Do?
Senators have many important jobs. Their main role is to create and approve laws that affect everyone in Chile. They also review laws that come from the Chamber of Deputies.
Key Responsibilities of Senators
- Making Laws: Senators propose new laws and vote on them. They discuss what's best for the country.
- Overseeing the Government: They keep an eye on how the government is working. This helps make sure everything is fair and correct.
- Approving Important Decisions: Sometimes, the Senate needs to approve big decisions, like treaties with other countries or the appointment of certain officials.
How Are Senators Chosen?
Senators are chosen through elections. The people of Chile vote for the candidates they want to represent them. The most recent election for senators was on November 19, 2017. The next election is planned for November 21, 2021.
Political Groups in the Senate
Senators usually belong to different political parties or groups. These groups have different ideas about how the country should be run. In the Senate, you'll find groups like the New Majority and Chile Vamos, along with some independent senators who don't belong to a specific large group.
See Also
In Spanish: Senado de Chile para niños
