Why did the framers include staggered terms for Senators?

The framers included staggered terms for Senators to foster stability in governance. This design allows for continuity within the Senate by ensuring that only a portion of its members are up for election at any given time. Such a system prevents the potential upheaval that could arise if all Senators were elected simultaneously, which might lead to drastic shifts in policy or governance. By having staggered elections, the Senate can maintain a level of institutional knowledge and experience, which contributes to more deliberative and thoughtful decision-making. This design reflects the framers' intention to balance the need for accountability to the electorate with the need for stability in government.