The leader receives priority of recognition by Senate practice and uses that position to offer motions, manage the floor, and negotiate schedules. Because the Senate protects individual participation more than the House, successful leadership often depends on unanimous-consent agreements and assembling coalitions for cloture rather than issuing binding commands.

The office should not be confused with the constitutional presiding officers. The vice president is President of the Senate, and the Senate elects a president pro tempore for the vice president's absence. The majority leader nevertheless directs party strategy and day-to-day business through rules and political support.

A leader can delay a measure, negotiate amendment terms, or decline scarce floor time, but senators can object and procedural coalitions can change the result. Identify the leader's agenda and bargaining leverage without attributing the House Speaker's recognition powers or a committee's specialized jurisdiction to the office.

Video lesson: Congressional Leadership: Crash Course Government and Politics #8