If the senate were hereditary rather than elective, it would, in my opinion, be the basis, the very soul of our republic. in times of political conflict, this hereditary senate would arrest the thunderbolts of the government and would repel any violent popular reaction. devoted to the government because of a natural interest in its own preservation, a hereditary senate would always oppose any attempt on the part of the people to infringe upon the jurisdiction and authority of their judges. —simón de bolívar: message to the congress of angostura, 1819 according to bolívar, what is the advantage of a hereditary senate? it would be devoted to the preservation of the government. it would be devoted to keeping control of the government. it would resolve political conflicts in the government. it would resolve the problems of violence in government.