This is an important question. In the United Kingdom alone there are at least four systems in use. John Cross 19:11, 18 January 2006 (UTC) In the United States, the system of direct election is an utter failure. It is expensive - allowing only the richest to run and win elections; it is too lengthy of a process; it encourages constant fundraising on the part of Senators (who are distracted from governing and tempted to "sell" votes and positions); it is not designed to give us Statesmen/Stateswomen, but instead, the slickest, best campaigner. We need to repeal the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution, and return to a U.S. Senate that is appointed by state legislatures. Nhprman 02:32, 20 March 2006 (UTC)