Overview
The U.S. Senate, one of two chambers in the bicameral U.S. Congress, holds significant legislative and oversight power. Established by Article I of the Constitution, it grants equal representation to each state, regardless of population, with 100 senators serving six-year terms. This structure, a deliberate check on the more populous House of Representatives, ensures that smaller states have a substantial voice in federal lawmaking. Key functions include confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, and conducting impeachment trials, making it a critical, often contentious, arena for national policy and political power struggles.