.

Sec.4. There were also various opinions as to the proper term of office of
senators. Terms were proposed differing in length from three to nine
years; and a proposition was even made by one distinguished member to
make the term continue during good behavior, which is practically for
life. There appear to be sound objections both to long and short terms.
It is urged by those in favor of the latter, that an officer elected for
a short term, especially if he desires a reelection, will have a strong
inducement to please and faithfully serve those who are to elect or
appoint him.

Sec.5. Others, however, while they admit that short terms tend to insure
responsibility on the part of a representative, consider this argument
more than counterbalanced by the objections to which a short term is
liable. Looking to a reelection, he may act with a view to his
popularity rather than to the public good. Again, the oftener a
legislature is changed, the more changeable and uncertain will be the
laws. Men having invested their capital in a business enterprise, and
made a successful beginning under existing laws, may be ruined by a
sudden and unexpected change of governmental policy.

Sec.6. In view of these objections to both long and short terms, a medium
term of six years was adopted. This was believed to be short enough to
keep up in a senator a feeling of responsibility, and yet long enough to
insure his acting independently and with a regard to the general
interests of the nation. Although a bad senator may occasionally be kept
too long in office by a six years' term, cases also occur in which the
act of a senator, especially in time of public excitement, is strongly
condemned, but upon calm and mature reflection meets the public
approbation.

Sec.7. The next clause of the third section provides for the gradual change
of the senate. One-third of the senators go out of office every two
years. In favor of this arrangement are two important considerations.
First, it secures to the public at all times the benefit of the
experience of at least two-thirds of the body. Whereas, if the terms of
all the senators expired at once, their places might be supplied mainly
by new members without the requisite knowledge and experience. Secondly,
while a long term is intended to guard against the too frequent changes
in the laws, it may also prevent, for too long a time, the amendment or
the repeal of bad laws. Such amendment or repeal may be