17. That assures that the small states have an equal voice in one of the houses of Congress.The terms of the senators are staggered(交错)，so that only one-third of the Senate is elected every two years.That assures that there are some experienced senators in Congress after each election.Now there are altogether 100 senators in the Senate17. That assures that the small states have an equal voice in one of the houses of Congress.The terms of the senators are staggered(交错), so that only one-third of the Senate is elected every two years. That assures that there are some experienced senators in Congress after each election. Now there are altogether 100 senators in the Senate