The United States Senate is the upper house of the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States. It is also known as the upper chamber or simply as the Senate. Some synonyms for the United States Senate include the upper house, the upper chamber of Congress, the Senate chamber, and the Senate floor. Other synonyms that are often used are the upper legislative body, the Senate chamber, and the upper House of Congress. These terms are often used interchangeably and refer to the same institution that plays a vital role in shaping the governance of America.