ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the Founders' intent for the Senate. It also looks at what service in the Senate is like, how its committees work, what its leaders do, and how the Senate passes bills. The chapter looks at the two special powers granted to the Senate in the Constitution as checks on presidential authority: ratification of treaties and confirmation of senior executive branch officials. The Framers wanted the Senate to be a voice for the states to counter the voice of the people, as expressed by politics in the House. The Senate embodies the principle of equality. Every state has an equal voice in it, as a sign of the states' equal stake in the success of the United States. Most states have diversified economies and face numerous economic, environmental, and social challenges, so senatorial candidates must demonstrate a broad, general expertise from the start of their campaigns in order to be seen as legitimate candidates.
