For how many years is a U.S. Senator elected?

A U.S. Senator is elected for a term of 6 years. The longer term was established to provide stability and continuity in the legislative process, allowing Senators to take a longer-term view on legislation and policy. This extended term supports the idea that Senators can focus on their duties without the immediate pressure of frequent elections. The staggered election cycle—where only about one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years—also helps maintain a degree of continuity in the U.S. Senate, as it prevents a complete turnover of the body at any one time. Such arrangements aim to strike a balance between accountability to the electorate and the need for experience and longevity in governance.