[3] This mode of election was fixed upon for two reasons: First, the senators represent the state, as such, and hence it seemed proper that they should be chosen by the body which acts for the state in its corporate capacity; second, the members of the House of Representatives being elected by the people, it was deemed advisable to elect the senators in a different way, in order that, by representing different elements, each house might act as a check upon the other. Incidentally, election by the legislature was considered good, because it would serve as a connecting link between the states and the United States.
[4] The long term gives dignity and independence to the position of senator; it gives assurance of stability in the national councils, and tends to secure for them confidence at home and respect abroad; it raises senators "above the whims and caprices of their constituents, so that they may consult their solid interests, rather than their immediate wishes."
[5] Under the confederation each state had from two to seven members of congress, but only one vote. If the delegation was equally divided on any question, or if only one member was present, the state lost its vote.
By the present arrangement a state need not go entirely unrepresented on account of the absence of one of its senators.
Clause 2.—Classification and Vacancies.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first election, they shall be divided, as equally as may be, into three classes.[1] The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year; of the second class, at the expiration of the fourth year; and of the third class, at the expiration of the sixth year;[2] so that one-third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise, during the recess of the legislature of any state, the executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of the legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies.[3]
[1] The object of this division is to secure for the Senate at all times a large proportion of experienced members. By this arrangement, too, the Senate becomes a permanent body, ready at any time to convene for the consideration of treaties, for the trial of impeachments, or for confirming executive appointments.
[2] Only ten states were represented when, on May 15, 1789, this classification was first made. (North Carolina and Rhode Island had not yet ratified the constitution, and New York's senators had not yet presented their credentials.) The twenty senators had on the preceding day been grouped by name into three classes, two of seven senators each, and one of six. By the drawing of three numbered slips of paper, seven fell into class 1, seven into class 2, and six into class 3, with terms ending March 3, 1791, 1793, and 1795, respectively. After the classification had been fixed, the two senators from New York appeared. One was placed, by lot, in class 3 (thus filling the classes), and then the other, also by lot, in class 1. The two senators from the next state, North Carolina, were therefore placed in the unfilled classes 2 and 3. Since 1795, each class holds for six years, and a senator's term expires with that of his class.
[3] Senators represent the state, and are elected by the body which acts for the state,—by the legislature if in session, temporarily by the governor if it is not.
Clause 3.—Qualifications.