How many people are there in the Senate at any given time?

The Senate of the United States is composed of 100 members, with each state represented by two senators regardless of its population size. This structure ensures equal representation for each state in the legislative process. The total of 100 senators allows for a balance of power where each state has an equal voice in federal affairs, which is a fundamental aspect of the federal system established by the U.S. Constitution. The other choices do not reflect the correct composition of the Senate; 50 would imply each state has only one senator, while 200 and 435 refer to the total number of members in both the House of Representatives (which has 435 members) and in some contexts could reflect numbers in different legislative systems, but they do not pertain to the Senate.