Post by True Patriot on May 18, 2016 7:16:12 GMT -5
Federal Senators Should be State Senators
PROPOSAL: Rather than being selected by popular vote, as presumed representatives of the state legislatures, the two federal senators of each state should be selected by their respective state governments in the same fashion as any other legislative decision is made, to include a governor's veto and legislative override, and selected from among the members of the upper house of each state.
These senators cannot serve more than the current six year term within the established election cycles without being reappointed, but can be withdrawn and replaced in the same way as they were appointed during their terms.
FACTS: Prior to 1913 federal senators were appointed by the states rather than being selected by a general election. The Constitution prior to being amended stated, "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." The change was made because of internal conflicts within the states in the selection of senators that left some senate seats vacant for extended periods. The change to electing senators by popular vote was made with the Seventeenth Amendment that stated, "The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote." The amendment also stated, "When vacancies happen in the representation of any state in the Senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any state may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct."
OPINION: Federal senators were intended by the Founders to be representatives of the state legislatures; individuals that would have an understanding of the administrative requirements of government and stalwarts of experience that could temper the occasional fervor of the masses.
Conflicts within the individual states among its representatives should be of no concern to the federal government as long as a republican form of state government is being observed.
In my opinion, the language of the seventeenth amendment in this regard should have been limited to the second quote above.
To assure that the people of the state have some influence on who can and cannot be appointed, I would add that candidates for the federal senate must first be elected by general election to their respective state senates.
As federal senators and state senators they are empowered to have a vote in both legislative bodies.
This dual appointment would help to assure that the federal senate is more aware and responsive to the concerns and requirements of the men and women charged with actually running the affairs of the state rather than just being some populist figure, elitist or federal surrogate.
The Senate is essential transformed into a small version of the House of Representatives.
By subjecting its members to being elected by a popular vote, candidates must appeal to the current passions and mores of the masses to be elected with no regard as to the needs and responsibilities of those charged with managing the mechanisms used in administering the state.