The South Carolina Senate is the upper chamber of the South Carolina General Assembly, which is the state's legislative body. It consists of 46 members who represent various districts across South Carolina. Senators serve four-year terms and are responsible for creating and passing state laws, as well as approving the state budget. The Senate operates under a set of rules and procedures that guide its legislative process. The Lieutenant Governor serves as the President of the Senate, overseeing sessions and ensuring order. The Senate also has various committees that focus on specific areas, such as finance, education, and health care, to review proposed legislation.