That&#x27;s a simplistic (and cynical) view, the Senate is intended to be the upper chamber that&#x27;s more insulated from the popular passions.  That&#x27;s why Senate terms last six years, and why the Constitution originally had Senators elected by state legislatures, not popular vote.  Indeed, direct election has removed a layer of state accountability-- the modern Senate is all too happy to shove unfunded mandates onto state governments.