Final answer:
Senators are more insulated from the pressures of immediate and narrow interests due to their six-year terms and the requirement to appeal to a broader constituency across their state, giving them more freedom to make policy decisions with long-term consideration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given the choice between legislative priorities, senators with their six-year terms and obligations to a larger, more heterogeneous constituency, are more B. insulated from the pressures of individual, narrow, and immediate interests. Unlike their counterparts in the House of Representatives, who are elected for two-year terms and are therefore in a constant state of running for re-election, senators have a longer period between elections. This allows them to consider the broader implications of policy and engage in more strategic, long-term planning. Senators focus on maintaining a broader appeal across their entire state, which requires balancing a wider array of interests.
Furthermore, the Senate's structure provides for individual senators to have significant power in affecting legislation. They can slow down or stop legislation they dislike, and the requirements for passing legislation, like the example of the Buffett Rule, often necessitate broader support. Senate rules and longer terms collectively contribute to a legislative body that can operate with more independence from immediate public pressures, allowing for more deliberate consideration and action on a wider range of issues.