What is the role of the President pro tempore of the Senate?

The President pro tempore of the Senate primarily holds a ceremonial position within the legislative structure of the United States government. This role traditionally goes to the longest-serving member of the majority party and mainly involves presiding over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President. While the President pro tempore does have the authority to preside over sessions and can perform some functions related to the conduct of business in the Senate, they do not wield significant decision-making power, especially compared to the majority or minority leaders.

The position is largely symbolic, representing the continuity of the Senate and honoring seniority rather than being involved in the day-to-day decision-making or legislative strategies. Therefore, describing the role as ceremonial accurately captures the essence of the responsibilities associated with being the President pro tempore.