The United States Senate benefits from years of history and a standing rule book, parts of which originated in the first Senate session. The staggered election terms of senators provide a continuity to the Senate that exceeds even the incumbency advantages of the House of Representatives. Many senators spend long and extensive careers in the position, building relationships and bonds over the years that exceed the partisan political connections or even the shared constituency of a common state. These bonds and relationships can be powerful tools for building decorum, ensuring negotiation, encouraging compromise, and just facilitating the smooth operation of the Senate committees and floor.