what is senate

The Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress and together with the House of Representatives, they form the federal bicameral legislature of the United States. The Senate plays a role in the passage of federal legislation, confirms presidential appointments, and provides a vital check and balance on the powers of the executive and judicial branches of government. The Senate is governed by the Constitution, a set of standing rules, precedents established in the course of the legislative process, and special rules of procedure adopted by statute for particular types of legislation. The Senate has the sole power to confirm those of the President’s appointments that require consent, and to provide advice and consent to ratify treaties. The Vice President of the United States serves as President of the Senate and may cast the decisive vote in the event of a tie in the Senate. The Senate maintains several powers to itself, including consenting to the ratification of treaties by a two-thirds supermajority vote and confirming the appointments of the President by a majority vote.