Traditions & Symbols

The U.S. Senate relies heavily on tradition and precedent. Many of its current rules, procedures, and traditions date from the First Congress in 1789.

Becoming a Senator and Organizing a New Congress

Organizing a New Congress

Procedure

Orientation Programs

The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the Senate Floor (CRS) (pdf)

Congress' Early Organizational Meetings (CRS) (pdf)

Article 1, Section 3 Constitutional authority for dividing Senate into three classes.

Amendment XX, Section 2 Constitutional Authority noting January 3rd as the opening day of a new Congress.

Committees

Committee Assignment Process in the US Senate (CRS)(pdf)

Rule XXIV Standard Rules of the Senate: Committee Assignment

Oath Taking

Essays

Oath of Office

The Oath Act May 5, 1789

Senator Resigns to Protest Loyalty Oath January 29, 1864

Laws and Rules

Rule III Standing Rules of the Senate: Taking the Oath

Article 6 Constitutional directive to take the Oath

Members' Order-of-Service

Members' Order-of-Service Numbers

Seniority

"Father of the Senate"

Chronological List of All Senators (pdf)

On the Senate Floor

Senators

Senators (current)

Maiden Speeches April 19, 1906

Leaders

Leadership

Floor Leaders' Right of Priority Recognition

Officers

Officers and Staff

Symbols on the Senate Floor

Desks

Interactive Desk Exhibit

Choosing Desks

Candy Desk

Gavel

Golden Gavel Award

Senate Gavels

The Senate's New Gavel November 17, 1954

Senate Floor Proceedings

Start of Each Day's Session

Chaplain's Prayer

Pledge of Allegiance

Senate Standing Rules

Rules and Procedure

Honoring Distinguished Visitors

Presentation of Messages

Legacies

Seersucker Thursday

Senate Bean Soup

Naming of Buildings and Rooms

Vice-Presidential Busts

Senate Reception Room's "Famous Five" Now the "Famous Nine"

Washington's Farewell Address February 22, 1862

End-of-Session Valedictories and Eulogies

Funerals and Memorial Services

Symbols

The Material Culture of the Senate

Eagle and Shield

Senate Flag

Senate Seal

Senate Seal, Mar 31, 1885

Senate Snuff Boxes

Snuff Box Cat. no. 93.00029.000

Snuff Box Cat no. 93.00028.000

Related Publications

Traditions of the United States Senate (pdf)