Power operates according to unwritten rules that shape Senate behavior as much as formal procedures do. In this episode of pplpod, we investigate the hidden rules governing Senate interactions, from informal norms to unspoken agreements that structure how senators treat each other. These rules remain invisible to outsiders but determine what's possible and what's forbidden within the chamber. Discover how informal institutions determine the actual functioning of the Senate.

Key Topics Covered:

• Formal vs. informal institutions: Understanding how unwritten rules supplement and sometimes supersede formal procedures.
• Respect and reciprocity: Examining the informal norms that govern how senators treat colleagues.
• Sanctions and enforcement: Understanding how informal rules get enforced without explicit mechanisms.
• Senate culture and tradition: Exploring how institutions develop distinctive cultures that shape behavior.

Source credit: Research for this episode included Wikipedia articles accessed 3/5/2026. Wikipedia text is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; content here is summarized/adapted in original wording for commentary and educational use.