When and how was it decided that approximately 1/3 of the senate seats would go up for election every 2 years?

Question

I know how the election system works, but what happened originally to create this 1/3 system? Was this created back in history when the Senate had reached 34 members??? But even then, I'm sure that the next year, the Senate suddenly did not have 33 new seats (as in 16 new states). Thanks in advanced to the historic information. And yes, I already checked Wikipedia, but it does not provide an explanation.

Answer 1

It was decided at the Constitutional Convention. The process is right there in the Constitution, Article 1 Section 3:

"Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. 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 the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, 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."

Or, in short, during the 1st Congress only 1/3 of the Senators were appointed for 6 year terms; the others were down for 2 or 4 year terms, so that 1/3 of them would be up for reappointment (there wasn't election of Senators in those days) every 2nd year.

Answer 2

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. 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, so that one third may be chosen every second Year

Answer 3

term limits passed long ago. I agree with them. That legislation was very hard to get passed in Congress. It requires elections every two years in the Senate and House. This is good. We get to decide if they stay or get the boot.

Answer 4

Simple....its in the Constitution.

Answer 5

It is written into the Constitution.