 On Thursday , June 7 , it was proposed that senators should be chosen directly by the state legislatures , instead of by popular vote , as this method was more likely to preserve the power of the upper classes . Convention delegate Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts observed that " the great mercantile interest and of stockholders , is not provided for in any mode of election @-@ they will however be better represented if the State legislatures choose the second branch . " The proposal was carried unanimously . 
