Question

The Senate is meant to act _____

A. in the interest of only the people they represent
B. only every six years when new members are appointed
C. quickly to propose new laws the people want now
D. slowly to ensure that laws are fair

Answer 1

The Senate is meant to act slowly to ensure that laws are fair, offering a long-term and state-wide perspective that complements the more immediate, district-focused approach of the House of Representatives.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question, 'The Senate is meant to act how?' relates to the intended function of the Senate within the U.S. government. The correct answer is D. slowly to ensure that laws are fair. This is attributed to the Senate's role as a deliberative body that balances the swifter, more reactive House of Representatives. Senators represent the interests of their entire state and are elected for longer terms of six years, providing them with the opportunity to take a longer view on issues, beyond immediate public opinion and temporary errors and delusions. Their role is not to act solely in the interest of the people they represent, nor to propose laws quickly or only exercise their functions when new members are appointed. Instead, the Founders intended for the Senate to be a stabilizing force, applying a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to legislation.

Answer 2

The Senate is meant to act slowly to ensure that laws are fair, reflecting its role as a deliberative body with a broader focus than the House of Representatives due to its structure and longer terms for its members.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Senate is designed to act deliberately and with consideration for the long-term implications of its decisions. In contrast to the House of Representatives, where members serve two-year terms and are therefore closely in tune with the short-term demands of their constituents, Senators serve six-year terms, offering them a buffer from the immediate pressures of public opinion.

Due to their longer terms and broader constituency, Senators are expected to consider how proposed laws would impact the nation as a whole. The rules of the Senate even allow individual members to slow down or block legislation they oppose, reinforcing their role as a check on hasty law-making.