Final answer:
A U.S. Senator is elected for a six-year term, allowing for a staggered election cycle and a focus on long-term national issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
A U.S. Senator is elected for a six-year term. This is established in the Constitution of the United States, ensuring that every two years, one-third of the Senate is up for election. By staggering the elections, the Senate can maintain continuity while still providing for regular democratic input. Senators are considered to have a longer tenure compared to members of the House of Representatives, who run for re-election every two years. This difference allows Senators more time to focus on long-term national issues and public policy, rather than immediate re-election concerns.