What is the President Pro Tempore of the Senate?
The President pro tempore of the Senate is the second-highest official in the United States Senate, after the Vice President, who is the President ex officio of the Senate. Typically, the President pro tempore is the senior senator of the majority party, and the highest ranking member of the Senate as a result. This position is primarily ceremonial, and it comes with numerous responsibilities and rather limited powers. However, it is considered a great honor to serve as the President pro tempore of the Senate, not least because being in this position puts a Senator third in the line of Presidential succession.
