XVII

The Senate of the United States shall be com- posed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Sena- tor shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors * The Fifteenth Amendment was ratified February 3, 1870. ** The Sixteenth Amendment was ratified February 3, 1913. *** The Seventeenth Amendment was ratified April 8, 1913. 27 75-400_PocketCon. New 7-6-12 7/6/12 9:35 AM Page 28 of the most numerous branch of the State legisla- tures. 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. This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.