What Are Senatorial Classes?
Senatorial classes in the U.S. are the basic way that the Senate divides its members for the purpose of staggered elections every two years. This system was initially proposed at the Constitutional Convention and was codified into law upon the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Because of this rotating elections system, it provides for a stable Senate in which no more than one-third of the Senate is new at any one time.
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Definition
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A senatorial class is the division of the senate into three equal parts for the purpose of divided elections. Because senators serve six-year terms, every two years one class of senators (i.e., one-third of the Senate) is up for election. This is subject to Article I, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution. As of 2011, Classes 1 and 2 have 33 senators apiece, and Class 3 has 34 senators.
Origin of Classes
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At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Nathaniel Gorham called for senators to be elected to six- year terms with a third of the senators rotating out every two years. This was agreed upon by the states present at the convention by a vote of seven to four. The purpose of this rotation was to ensure stability in the Senate and to prevent a quick takeover of the entire Senate by new ideas or outside forces. Because of this class rotation system, the Senate is the only part of the United States federal government that is a continuing body that does not have all of its members up for election at the same time.
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Division into Classes
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At the initial meeting of the U.S. Congress in 1789, the senators were divided into three groups with no state having both of its senators in the same group. At that point, a representative from each of the groups drew lots. Those in Class 1 had terms that would expire in two years, Class 2 had terms that would expire in four years, and Class 3 had terms that would expire in six years. After that, each class would be on its own six-year term cycle.
Addition of New States
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As new states entered the United States, the state's two new senators would be assigned to two different classes. Senators would be assigned in such a way as to keep the relative size of the classes equal. For instance, if a 51st state were to join the United States, the new senators would be a part of Classes 1 and 2, giving each Class 34 members.
Exception to Class Elections
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The only exception to senators being elected by class is in the case of a Senate seat becoming unexpectedly vacant. In that case, the seat would be filled by special election or appointment.
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References
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