Tennessee Senate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Senate of Tennessee |
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|---|---|
| Tennessee General Assembly | |
 |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
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Term limits
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None |
| History | |
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New session started
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January 8, 2019 |
| Leadership | |
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Speaker of the Senate
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Randy McNally (R)
Since January 10, 2017 |
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Speaker pro tempore
|
Ferrell Haile (R)
Since January 19, 2018 |
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Majority Leader
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Jack Johnson (R)
Since January 8, 2019 |
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Minority Leader
|
Jeff Yarbro (D)
Since January 8, 2019 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 33 |
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|
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Political groups
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Majority party
Minority party
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Length of term
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4 years |
| Authority | Article III, Tennessee Constitution |
| Salary | $19,009/year + per diem |
| Elections | |
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Last election
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November 6, 2018 (17 seats) |
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Next election
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November 2, 2020 (16 seats) |
| Redistricting | Legislative Control |
| Meeting place | |
| State Senate Chamber Tennessee State Capitol Nashville, Tennessee |
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The Tennessee Senate is an important part of how the U.S. state of Tennessee is governed. It is called the upper house of Tennessee's state legislature. This legislature is formally known as the Tennessee General Assembly.
Contents
What is the Tennessee Senate?
The Tennessee Senate is one of two groups that make laws for the state of Tennessee. Think of it like a team that works to solve problems and create rules for everyone in the state. This team meets in the state capital, Nashville.
How Many Members Are There?
The Tennessee Senate has 33 members. Each member is called a senator. These senators represent different areas, or districts, across Tennessee. They are elected by the people living in their districts.
How Long Do Senators Serve?
Once elected, a senator serves for four years. This means they work on state laws and issues for that time. After four years, they can run for re-election if they want to continue serving.
Who Leads the Senate?
The Tennessee Senate has several important leaders. These leaders help make sure meetings run smoothly. They also guide the work of the senators.
The Speaker of the Senate
The main leader is called the Speaker of the Senate. This person is chosen by the other senators. The Speaker helps control debates and votes. They also make sure everyone follows the rules. As of early 2019, Randy McNally was the Speaker.
Other Important Leaders
There are also other leaders like the Speaker pro tempore. This person steps in if the Speaker is not available. There are also a Majority Leader and a Minority Leader. These leaders represent the main political groups in the Senate.
What Does the Senate Do?
The main job of the Tennessee Senate is to create and approve laws. These laws affect many parts of life in Tennessee. This includes things like schools, roads, and public safety.
Making Laws for Tennessee
When a new idea for a law comes up, it is called a bill. Senators discuss these bills. They might change them or vote on them. If a bill passes in the Senate and the other part of the legislature, it can become a law.
Representing the People
Senators also represent the people who elected them. They listen to what people in their districts need and want. Then, they bring those ideas and concerns to the state government.
Where Does the Senate Meet?
The Tennessee Senate meets in a special room called the State Senate Chamber. This room is inside the Tennessee State Capitol building. The Capitol building is in Nashville. It's a historic place where many important decisions are made for the state.
Political Groups in the Senate
Senators usually belong to a political party. In the Tennessee Senate, there are two main groups. These are the Republican Party and the Democratic Party.
Majority and Minority Parties
The party with the most senators is called the Majority Party. The other party is the Minority Party. These groups often have different ideas about how to solve problems. They work together, and sometimes debate, to make the best decisions for Tennessee.
