Controversy Surrounding Trump Tax Bill

The **United States Senate** is the upper chamber of the U.S. Congress, sharing legislative authority with the House of Representatives to create and pass federal laws under the Constitution since 1789[2][5]. It consists of **100 senators**, with each of the 50 states represented equally by two senators, regardless of population size[2][4]. Senators serve staggered **six-year terms**, providing stability and continuity in governance, with one-third of the Senate up for election every two years[4][5]. Originally, senators were appointed by state legislatures until the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913, which established direct popular election of senators[2][4]. The Senate’s core functions include **legislating**, overseeing the federal budget, and supervising the executive branch[1][3]. It holds unique constitutional powers: it **confirms presidential appointments** (including Cabinet secretaries, federal judges, and ambassadors), **approves treaties** negotiated by the executive branch, and conducts **impeachment trials** for federal officials, including the president, with removal requiring a two-thirds Senate vote[1][2][3]. The Vice President serves as the Senate’s president but votes only to break ties[3]. Historically, the Senate was designed to protect states’ rights and minority opinions, balancing the more populous House of Representatives[1][2]. It is regarded as a more deliberative body due to longer terms, smaller membership, and statewide constituencies, which often fosters a collegial and less partisan environment than the House[2]. The Senate wields significant influence on U.S. governance through its "advice and consent" role and has played a critical part in shaping business and technology policy by confirming key regulatory and judicial appointments. Currently, the Senate continues to play a vital role in American government as a check on executive power and as a forum for national policy debate, influencing legislation that impacts business, technology innovation, and economic regulatio

The **Republican Party**, also known as the **GOP (Grand Old Party)**, is one of the two major political parties in the United States, founded in 1854 primarily by anti-slavery activists opposing the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the expansion of slavery into U.S. territories[1][5]. It was formed from a coalition of former Whigs, Democrats, and Free Soil party members who shared opposition to slavery and a desire for a national political force promoting economic development and social order[2][5]. The party's early base included northern Protestants, businessmen, factory workers, professionals, and prosperous farmers. It strongly supported pro-business policies like the national banking system, the gold standard, railroads, and high tariffs[1][3]. Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president elected in 1860, led the party through the Civil War, championing the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union. This solidified the GOP’s dominance in national politics for decades, especially in the North, while it remained weak in the South[1][5][6]. Historically, the Republican Party was instrumental in major social reforms, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery, guaranteed equal protection, and secured voting rights for African Americans, respectively[6]. The party also supported women's suffrage early on, backing the 19th Amendment[6]. In the 20th century, Republicans were associated with both conservative economic policies—favoring reduced taxes, limited government regulation, and individual economic freedom—and a strong national defense[7]. The party experienced ideological splits, notably in 1912 when Theodore Roosevelt led a progressive faction away from the conservative wing[1][5]. Today, the GOP continues to promote conservative social policies and states’ rights, opposing extensive federal intervention and advocating free-market principles[7]. For readers interested in business and technology,

## Overview of the Democratic Party The Democratic Party is the oldest continuing political party in the United States, with its roots tracing back to 1792 as the Democratic-Republican Party. Founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, it initially advocated for a decentralized government and states' rights, opposing a strong central authority[1][2]. Over time, the party evolved, becoming more progressive and supportive of federal government intervention in social and economic affairs. ## History The modern Democratic Party was formally established in 1828, with Andrew Jackson's presidential campaign marking a significant turning point. Jackson's successful campaign expanded voting rights to all white men, regardless of land ownership, and further reduced federal power[3][6]. The party became deeply divided during the Civil War era, with Northern Democrats supporting limited slavery expansion and Southern Democrats advocating for its perpetuation[3][5]. Post-Civil War, the party became a stronghold for Southern whites who opposed Reconstruction[3]. ## Key Achievements The Democratic Party has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. history: - **Civil Rights**: The party supported key civil rights legislation, including the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. - **Social Programs**: Democrats have been instrumental in establishing and expanding social programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. - **Economic Policies**: The party has often championed progressive economic policies, including labor rights and environmental protection. ## Current Status Today, the Democratic Party is a major force in U.S. politics, advocating for a strong federal government role in addressing social and economic issues. It emphasizes progressive policies on healthcare, climate change, and economic inequality[6]. ## Notable Aspects - **Symbolism**: The party's symbol, the donkey, originated from Andrew Jackson's opponents calling him a "jackass," which his supporters adopted as a mascot[6]. - **Diversity**: The party has become increasingly diverse, representing a wide range of socio-economic and