A U.S. Senator is elected for how many years?

A U.S. Senator is elected for a term of 6 years. This term length was established by the Constitution to create stability and continuity in the legislative branch of the federal government. Unlike members of the House of Representatives, who serve 2-year terms and are more frequently subject to the whims of public opinion, a 6-year term allows Senators to focus on longer-term goals and policies. Additionally, to balance representation and ensure some level of experienced policymakers, the Senate has staggered elections; approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. This structure makes it less likely for significant shifts in power to occur suddenly, reflecting the framers' intent to provide a deliberative body that could maintain consistent governance.