President pro tempore of the United States Senate

In the United States, the President pro tempore of the Senate is the second-highest-ranking official of the upper house of Congress, the Senate. The Vice President of the United States is the President of the Senate ex officio; the President pro tempore presides during his absence. The current President pro tempore of the Senate is Ted Stevens, a Republican senator from Alaska, who has held the office since January 3, 2003.

Related Topics:
United States - Congress - Vice President of the United States - Ex officio - Ted Stevens - Alaska - January 3 - 2003

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The office of President pro tempore was established by the Constitution of the United States, which came into effect in 1789. The President pro tempore is elected by the Senate; by custom, he is the most senior senator in the majority party. Normally, neither the Vice President of the United States nor the President pro tempore presides; instead, the duty is generally delegated to other senators. The position of President pro tempore is primarily honorary, and does not carry significant political power.

Related Topics:
Constitution of the United States - 1789

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