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About the Senate


Explore the Senate’s Constitutional foundations, its unique role in America’s governmental system, and its rich history.

Members of the Senate belonging to the two major political parties are organized into party conferences. Members of each party conference elect leaders to represent them in the Senate.

Learn about the enduring procedures, customs, rituals, and symbols that contribute to the Senate’s unique character.

Since 1976 the Senate Historical Office has conducted interviews with senators and staff. These oral histories help to provide a fuller and richer understanding of the history of the Senate and of its role in governing the nation.

A collection of brief essays on Senate history.

Presented to enlighten, amuse, and inform, the Senate Stories history blog explores the forces, events, and personalities that have shaped the modern Senate.