MADISONCENTER FOR AMERICAN LEADERSHIP
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The Constitution,
connected.

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Discover the ideas that hold a republic together.

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The constitutional text

Article I · Section 3

Select any highlighted phrase to understand what it means.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, [chosen by the Legislature thereof,]* for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

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; [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.]* No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Source: National Constitution Center edition. Original wording is preserved; commentary explains historical and superseded provisions.

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Go at your own pace

You don’t have to understand everything at once. One connection is a good beginning.

LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER

Article I, Section 3, Clause 2 — staggered renewal

Only part of the Senate turns over at once

mixed provision
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; [

What it means

The original classes ended after two, four, and six years so that roughly one-third of seats would be chosen every two years. The shortened first terms established the enduring staggered cycle.

Historical setting

Federalist 62 argued that stability could help the Senate resist sudden passions and acquire knowledge of government. A six-year term combined with partial renewal was one institutional response to that concern.

What it does

A single regular election cannot replace the entire Senate in the way it can replace the House. The Senate can therefore check legislation supported by a newly elected House even when both claim electoral legitimacy.

Debate & interpretation

This arrangement creates competing virtues: stability and experience on one side, immediate responsiveness on the other. Disagreement between chambers may reflect their different electoral calendars rather than simply a malfunction.

A common misreading

The Senate’s full membership is not elected every six years; seats are renewed on a staggered schedule.

Think it through

When two chambers reflect different moments in public opinion, how should citizens judge their disagreement?

Follow the connection

Sources & further reading

Original Madison Center commentary. Explanations distinguish the text, historical context, and interpretive disagreements.

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