"The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of the President of the United States."
While in office, the President Pro Tempore supervises the Senate, hands down procedural rulings, and often appoints younger Senator Members as substitutes in his stead to acquaint them with the rules and procedures of the Senate. The "other officers" includes, but is not limited to, the majority and minority leaders (who are in charge of directing legislation).
Primary Source. The Heritage Guide to the Constitution.
Comment: This clause is designed to allow the Senate to maintain its legislative order by appointing a temporary presiding officer for when the Vice President is absent. This is similar to the House's appointment of the Speaker. In the beginning the Senate would elected the President Pro Tempore each time the Vice President was absent. Shortly there after (1792), John Adams began vacating the position prior to the end of the day so that another could be elected in the event he passed away or took over as President. Approximately 100 years later, the Senate began appointing the President Pro Tempore that would hold office until replaced.
While in office, the President Pro Tempore supervises the Senate, hands down procedural rulings, and often appoints younger Senator Members as substitutes in his stead to acquaint them with the rules and procedures of the Senate. The "other officers" includes, but is not limited to, the majority and minority leaders (who are in charge of directing legislation).
Primary Source. The Heritage Guide to the Constitution.
