The United States Senate serves as a check on the House of Representatives recommended site. The U.S. Constitution was crafted to reflect the framers’ desire to create stable deliberative bodies.

Constitutional Foundation
Article I Section 3 (the U.S. Constitution) outlines both the structure and electoral processes of the Senate. Initially, Senators weren’t directly elected by voters. Senators were initially chosen by the state legislative assemblies. This was to ensure the states had a significant role in the federal structure. The purpose of this method was to create a separation between the federal and state governments. This method would help to promote stability, and limit the influence of changing opinions.

The Seventeenth Amendment
In 1913 the Seventeenth Amendment changed the system of electing Senators dramatically. This amendment changed Senators’ election from state legislatures to popular votes. This amendment came about in response the growing public demand to have more democracy.

Election Cycle and Terms
Senators can serve for a maximum of six years. Elections are staggered. This means that roughly one-third of Senate Members is up for an election every two-years. The staggered cycles of elections help to maintain continuity, since they prevent a complete change in members within the Senate at one election. The system ensures that the most experienced members of Congress remain in their chamber. It allows the Senate to be much more deliberative compared to the House of Representatives whose members serve two year terms.

Qualifications for Representation
The Constitution has specific requirements that candidates for Senate must meet. Candidates must have at least 30 year old and be U.S. citizens at least for nine years. In addition, candidates must be residents of the state in order to represent the United States. Every state gets two senators, regardless its population. This allows for a balance between the larger and smaller state’s power, which reinforces the federal structure of the U.S.

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The Senate Election Process, described in U.S. Constitution with the Seventeenth Amendment modification is a mix between federalism & democracy. Senate elections have evolved over the years to reflect democratic ideals changing and maintain stability and consistency. The Senate is a vital institution within the American legal system. It represents both the interests of the states and the will of the citizens.