Showing results by author "Anne M. Butler Wendy Wolff" in All Categories

Article I, section 5, of the United States Constitution gives each house of Congress power to judge the elections, returns, and qualifications of its members, and to punish members for "disorderly behavior." Between 1793 and 1990, more than 200 senators faced challenges to their credentials based on their qualifications for office and alleged irregularities in their elections; or discipline for offenses ranging from public corruption, to giving aid and comfort to the Confederacy, to bringing dishonor upon the Senate in myriad other ways, or for pure political spite. As researched and written ...

Article I, section 5, of the United States Constitution empowers each house of Congress to judge the elections, returns, and qualifications of its members, along with the authority to discipline them for disorderly behavior. From 1793 to 1990, over 200 senators encountered challenges regarding their credentials, whether due to qualification issues, election irregularities, or disciplinary actions for offenses ranging from public corruption to providing aid to the Confederacy, as well as various acts that tarnished the Senates reputation. Researched and penned by the staff of the Congressional ...