Number: RS22972
Title: The Senate: An Overview
Authors: Walter Oleszek, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Decisions made at the Constitutional Convention about the Senate still shape its organization and operation today. Several of these features merit discussion, because they highlight important and enduring characteristics of the Senate. These aspects include constituency, size, term of office, and special prerogatives. In addition, this report identifies a major constitutional change that the Founding Fathers could not foresee: the direct election of Senators.
Pages: 6
Date: October 20, 2008