Final answer:
The Senate is termed the upper house because of its prestigious role, extended terms, and capacity to temper legislation with a broad, state-wide perspective, differentiating its function from that of the more populous House of Representatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Senate as Upper House:
The Senate is called the upper house due to its role in offering a more deliberate, prestigious, and long-term outlook on legislation, serving as a check on the more directly democratic House of Representatives. The term upper house emphasizes the Senate’s role in the American bicameral legislature. With six-year terms and fewer members representing larger constituencies, senators have greater prestige and are further from immediate constituent pressures compared to the House of Representatives.
This structure, inspired by historical legislative systems, allows the Senate to serve as a counterbalance to the House, reflecting the Founding Fathers’ intention to cool the passions that may influence the more populous lower chamber. The Senate's differences, such as advice and consent powers, term lengths, and the requirement for members to appeal to an entire state, contribute to its distinction as the upper house.