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Explain the rules that the Senate must follow when it comes to keeping records about Senate business.

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The Senate must keep a journal of its proceedings as per Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution, and publish it excluding parts that require secrecy. A fifth of members present can demand a vote to be recorded, and the Senate has the authority to set its own rules and discipline members.

Step-by-step explanation:

Senate Record-Keeping Rules

According to Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution, the Senate must adhere to specific rules for keeping records of their proceedings. The Congressional Record is the official publication that documents all the activities of both chambers of Congress. By law, each House is required to keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and publish it except in cases where secrecy is deemed necessary. Votes can sometimes be kept secret, but when one-fifth of the attending members demand it, the yeas and nays must be entered into the Journal. Additionally, the Senate can establish its own rules for conducting business and has the authority to censure or expel members.

Several clauses in the Constitution provide checks and balances within the Senate's procedure. Most notably, Section 5, Clause 3 requires the publication of their records, and Clause 2 gives the Senate power to make its own rules and discipline its members. The active participation of members is highlighted in Clause 1, which outlines the need for a quorum to conduct business, and provides an avenue for addressing the lack thereof through a quorum call.


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