The United States is often referred to as the world's greatest deliberative body. And that is for good reason. The Senate Chamber—from its inception to its Golden Age to the present day—has been the setting for some of the most moving, decisive, and consequential debates in American history. But how does the Senate work? Senate Procedure and Practice not only answers this question but also explains and illustrates why the Senate has worked so well for more than 200 years.

This practical, real-world explanation focuses on the three pillars of legislative procedure: the Senate rules, the parliamentary interpretations of the Senate rules, and statutes that impose procedural rules. The book is filled with fascinating stories and insights that highlight why a given rule is in place and how it is practiced. Now in its second edition, the book has been updated to discuss the impact the Democratic takeover has had on basic Senate procedures and practices, including much-discussed Rule XXVIII. « less more »