[2] This arrangement will be remembered as the concession made by the large states to the small ones.

Had the number of senators been fixed at one from each state, equality of power among the states would still have been secured; but sickness or accident might then leave a state unrepresented.  By having two, this difficulty is obviated.  The two can consult about the needs of their state; and the Senate is large enough to “confer power and encourage firmness.”  Three from each state would bring no advantages which are not now secured, while the Senate would be unnecessarily large and expensive.

[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.