The U.S. Senate is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the House of Representatives. It serves as the upper house in the federal legislature and plays a key role in lawmaking, oversight, and balancing the powers of government. The Senate is composed of 100 members, with two senators from each state, regardless of population size, serving six-year terms. Elections are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years.

The Senate has several unique powers, including the authority to approve treaties, confirm presidential appointments(such as federal judges, ambassadors, and Cabinet members), and conduct impeachment trials for federal officials, including the President. It is presided over by the Vice President of the United States, who serves as the Senate’s President, although daily sessions are usually overseen by a senior senator chosen as President pro tempore. The Senate is known for giving more time to debate than the House and is often considered a more deliberative body. It plays a vital role in shaping U.S. domestic and foreign policy.