Senator vs. Representative — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 28, 2023
A Senator is a member of the U.S. Senate, with two from each state. A Representative is a member of the U.S. House, determined by a state's population.
Difference Between Senator and Representative
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Senator refers to an individual elected to serve in the U.S. Senate, one of the two chambers of Congress. Each state, regardless of size, elects two Senators. On the other hand, a Representative is elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, the other chamber.
The tenure of a Senator is six years, and they have a broader constituency, representing their entire state. In contrast, a Representative serves a two-year term, focusing on the interests of their specific congressional district.
As for duties, while both the Senator and Representative play roles in lawmaking, the Senate has unique responsibilities, such as confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties. The House of Representatives, where Representatives serve, is responsible for originating revenue bills.
In terms of sheer numbers, there are always 100 Senators (two for each of the 50 states). Representatives, however, number 435, allocated to states based on population, with each state guaranteed at least one.
Comparison Chart
Chamber of Congress
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
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Number per state
Always 2
Based on population, at least 1
Term Length
6 years
2 years
Responsibilities
Lawmaking, confirm appointments, treaties
Lawmaking, originate revenue bills
Constituency
Entire state
Specific congressional district
Compare with Definitions
Senator
A member of the U.S. Senate.
The Senator from New York voiced her concerns.
Representative
Elected based on a specific congressional district's population.
The Representative from the 5th district spoke passionately.
Senator
Serves a six-year term in office.
The Senator was re-elected for another six-year term.
Representative
One that serves as an example or type for others of the same classification.
Senator
Represents the broader interests of their entire state.
The Senator considered the needs of his entire state before voting.
Representative
One that serves as a delegate or agent for another.
Senator
One of two representatives of a state in the Senate.
Each state has two Senators to represent its interests.
Representative
A member of a governmental body, usually legislative, chosen by popular vote.
Senator
Participates in unique Senate duties like treaty ratifications.
The Senator played a crucial role in the treaty's ratification.
Representative
A member of the US House of Representatives or of the lower house of a state legislature.
Senator
A member of a senate.
Representative
Representing, depicting, or portraying or able to do so.
Senator
A member, normally elected, in the house or chamber of a legislature called a senate, as, for instance, the legislatures of the United States and Canada.
Representative
Authorized to act as an official delegate or agent.
Senator
(dated) A member of any legislative body or parliament, particularly the British Parliament.
Representative
Of or characteristic of government by representation.
Senator
(historical) A member of the ancient Roman Senate.
Representative
Like or typical of others of the same class.
Senator
(historical) A member of a governing council in other states in the ancient world.
Representative
Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group.
Senator
A member of the ruler’s council or governing council in general, a leading statesman.
Representative
Representing, showing a likeness.
Are you sure this paper is representative of your child's writing?
The representative faculty of the human imagination
Senator
(obsolete) An important church official.
Representative
A delegate.
Senator
A member of a senate.
The duke and senators of Venice greet you.
Representative
Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body.
She served four terms as representative of her local at the national union convention.
Senator
A member of the king's council; a king's councilor.
Representative
One who speaks for or acts on behalf of another in a particular (especially official) capacity.
I will send a representative to work out the details of the contract.
Senator
A member of a senate
Representative
(legal) An heir.
Representative
Specifically, a member of the United States House of Representatives.
All representatives face re-election every two years.
Representative
A company agent who visits potential purchasers; a salesman.
Representative
Something standing for something else.
Representative
Something representing or standing for another; a symbol, an embodiment.
Representative
A member of a particular class.
Representative
A substitute or analogue.
Representative
Fitted to represent; exhibiting a similitude.
Representative
Bearing the character or power of another; acting for another or others; as, a council representative of the people.
Representative
Conducted by persons chosen to represent, or act as deputies for, the people; as, a representative government.
Representative
Serving or fitted to present the full characters of the type of a group; typical; as, a representative genus in a family.
Representative
Giving, or existing as, a transcript of what was originally presentative knowledge; as, representative faculties; representative knowledge. See Presentative, 3 and Represent, 8.
Representative
One who, or that which, represents (anything); that which exhibits a likeness or similitude.
A statute of Rumor, whispering an idiot in the ear, who was the representative of Credulity.
Difficulty must cumber this doctrine which supposes that the perfections of God are the representatives to us of whatever we perceive in the creatures.
Representative
An agent, deputy, or substitute, who supplies the place of another, or others, being invested with his or their authority.
Representative
One who represents, or stands in the place of, another.
Representative
A member of the lower or popular house in a State legislature, or in the national Congress.
Representative
That which presents the full character of the type of a group.
Representative
A person who represents others
Representative
An advocate who represents someone else's policy or purpose;
The meeting was attended by spokespersons for all the major organs of government
Representative
A member of the United States House of Representatives
Representative
An item of information that is representative of a type;
This patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
There is an example on page 10
Representative
Serving to represent or typify;
Representative moviegoers
A representative modern play
Representative
Standing for something else;
The bald eagle is representative of the United States
Representative
Being or characteristic of government by representation in which citizens exercise power through elected officers and representatives;
Representative government as defined by Abraham Lincoln is government of the people, by the people, for the people
Representative
A member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Representative introduced a new bill.
Representative
Serves a two-year term in office.
The young Representative was in his first two-year term.
Representative
Key player in originating revenue bills.
The tax bill, presented by the Representative, gained traction.
Representative
Represents the interests of a specific segment of the state's population.
The Representative prioritized the needs of her district's residents.
Common Curiosities
Can both Senators and Representatives propose legislation?
Yes, but only Representatives can originate revenue bills.
Who serves a longer term, a Senator or Representative?
A Senator serves a six-year term, while a Representative serves two.
How many total Senators are in the U.S. Senate?
There are 100 Senators in total.
How is the number of Representatives determined for a state?
It's based on the state's population, as per the census.
How often are Senators elected?
Every two years, but they serve six-year staggered terms.
How often are Representatives elected?
Every two years.
How many Senators does each state have?
Every state has two Senators.
In which chamber are treaties ratified?
In the Senate by Senators.
Do all states have the same number of Representatives?
No, it varies based on population.
Which chamber confirms presidential appointments?
The Senate, where Senators serve.
Who has a broader constituency, a Senator or Representative?
A Senator, as they represent an entire state.
Where are revenue bills first introduced?
In the House of Representatives by a Representative.
How many Representatives are there in total?
There are 435 Representatives.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
