U.S. Senate’s Role as a Constitutional Check Fades Amid Exodus

Veteran Senators Abandon a ‘Broken’ Chamber as Congress Hits Record Lows

The United States Senate is facing growing concerns over its weakening role as a check on executive power. Several long-serving senators have recently announced their departures, citing frustration with the institution’s direction. Their exits come as approval ratings for Congress remain at historic lows.

In 2018, Republican senator Jeff Flake of Arizona chose not to seek re-election, blaming President Trump’s influence over the party. He later described the Senate as in a state of 'retreat', willingly surrendering its constitutional authority under Article I. His departure highlighted deep divisions within the GOP at the time.

Earlier this year, Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia left the Senate after opting against another term. His exit further reduced the chamber’s moderate voices, leaving fewer lawmakers willing to cross party lines.

Now, Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota, has announced she will not run again in 2026. Like Flake, she criticised the Senate as 'broken', echoing warnings from others that the institution is failing in its duty to balance executive power. These departures follow a pattern of experienced lawmakers stepping away amid rising polarisation.

Public trust in Congress has also plummeted. A recent Gallup poll placed its approval rating at just 15 percent, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with legislative gridlock and partisan infighting.

The Senate’s ability to act as a constitutional check appears increasingly uncertain. With key figures leaving and approval ratings near record lows, the chamber’s future role remains in question. Observers continue to warn that without reform, its authority could further erode.