The historical idea of the Senate predates the Roman Republican, originating as the King’s council. Over time under the new Republic the Senate gained power as the nation transitioned to constitutional rule. Eventually Rome’s executive concentrated power, and the Senate became less important.
Nonetheless, the US constitution creates a Senate which harkens back to more august times, and the Senate has often been called “world’s greatest deliberative body” though I know of few people who consider it as such today.
Because instead of concerning itself with matters of war and peace (the US largely goes to war on the instructions of the President, constitutional requirements notwithstanding) US Senators have taken on the role of IT consultants.
