The Constitution creates the office but does not make it the Senate's party leader. Modern senators usually select a senior member of the majority party, and junior senators or others commonly preside by designation during routine sessions.

Presiding involves recognizing senators and applying chamber rules with advice from parliamentarians. Scheduling, coalition building, and floor strategy ordinarily belong to the majority and minority leaders. The office's place in presidential succession adds visibility without converting it into the Senate counterpart of the House Speaker.

If a question asks who the Senate chooses to preside when the vice president is absent, select the president pro tempore. If it asks who negotiates the legislative schedule or directs majority strategy, select the majority leader. Constitutional title and practical party power are different forms of authority.

Video lesson: Congressional Committees: Crash Course Government and Politics #7