How many US Senators are there?

There are 100 US Senators — two from each of the 50 states. This is set by Article I of the Constitution, which gives each state equal representation in the Senate regardless of population. Senators serve six-year terms, and elections are staggered so that roughly one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. The Senate has unique powers including ratifying treaties (two-thirds majority required), confirming presidential appointments, and trying impeachment cases. The 435 figure refers to members of the House of Representatives, which is based on state population. The composition of the Senate is one of the central compromises of the Constitution: it balances the population-based House with equal state representation in the upper chamber.