how many senetors are up for re-election every two years?
why are not all senators re-elected every 6 years?
2006-12-06 15:19:48 · 3 answers · asked by duhduhduhd 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Because that is what is written in the Constitution.
One third of the senators are re-elected every 2 years.
The rational behind the differences is: The representatives is considered the lower house and the make up should reflex the current situation in the country. That is why their number is based on population and they are re-elected or changed out more often. The senate is considered the upper house and it's make up should reflex the traditional make up of the country. That is why each state has the same number of senators and they stay in power longer.
The final reason for the differences is so there is a check and a balance in the government and no one house becomes too powerful.
2006-12-07 03:06:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The founding Fathers wanted the House to be more responsive to public opinion, and the senate more deliberative. If only one third of the senate is distracted by elections at any given election cycle, then the other senators can actually do work and not just use rhetoric.
the House was designed to be representative of the people of the United states. that's why it was the only body originally chosen by direct election of the people (the senate was originally chosen by state legislatures). The house was supposed to reflect the mood of the country, and the senate was supposed to be comprised of people who were contemplative.
2006-12-06 15:28:11 · answer #2 · answered by The Big Box 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
TJ was worried that populists would sweep out all the Senators at once, so he staggered their terms.
2006-12-06 15:27:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋