Each state of the United States selects two senators to represent their states in the United States Senate. In 1913, the 17th Amendment[?] to the United States Constitution provided for the direct popular election of senators; prior to this, senators were selected by state legislatures.
... is why spinning gyro tops will not simply fall over, but start precessing around. (The precessing motion is perpendicular to the torque trying to make the gyro fall ...