Senate Essay -- American History, The Confederation Congress

The Confederation Congress was plagued with problems, as the former colonies struggled to form a national identity. The lack of permanent physical location and united national government, led to problems of inaction, following the Revolutionary war. â€Å"Congress’s lack of power and frequent inability to act (often due to a lack of quorum or the need for a supermajority for certain decisions) demanded reform† (Wirls, p. 58). The founders agreed on the need for reform, opposing groups argued about the nature. Federalists argued for a strong national government, with few representatives, removed the day to day local political affairs. They desired a group of political elites, free to make decisions based on national interests. In order to promote an independent nature within the senate, Federalists advocated long terms, some advocating lifetime appointments. The anti-Federalists rejected the idea of permanent elite, instead promoting large numbers of repre sentatives, with small groups of political constituents. Rather than the crà ¨me de la crà ¨me of society, anti-Federalists envisioned a kaleidoscope; representatives would personally reflect the interests of constituents. During the final constitutional plan for the U.S. Senate, a compromise was reached; anti-Federalist views were incorporated through the equal apportionment and appointment by states, Federalists insured independence in the senate by instituting staggered six year terms. Compromise between the Federalist and anti-Federalist was reached through a series of decisions, in no small part assisted by the fact that those against strengthening the Federal government were not present, â€Å"the formidable talents who were opposed to the project of fortifying the... ...emate concerning the national congress. With the rights of small states protected through equal representation in the senate, the convention was able to move forward in forming a strong national government with responsibilities and rights separate from the states. Federalists were able to protect the independence of the senate, through staggered six year terms and more stringent eligibility requirements than those for the House of Representatives. The eventual formation of a separate national capital insured the both physically as well as psychologically desired independence of the senate and congress. The members of both sides present shared a mutual understanding of the need for a senate in a stronger national system. The decisions which lead to the compromise resulted in the creation of a senate which included both Federalist and anti-Federalist views.