"The Senate is the last primitive society in the world. We still worship the elders of the tribe and honor the territorial imperative"

Eugene McCarthy's quote, "The Senate is the last primitive society on the planet. We still praise the seniors of the tribe and honor the territorial imperative," is an intriguing statement that utilizes metaphor to review and assess the nature of the U.S. Senate. McCarthy, a previous U.S. Senator himself, utilizes this contrast to call attention to particular attributes and customs within the Senate that he views as old-fashioned or tribal.

When McCarthy describes the Senate as a "primitive society," he recommends that, regardless of its modern political power and significance, the Senate engages in practices that echo ancient social norms. Here, the term "primitive" should not be understood as negative however rather as indicative of longstanding and rigid traditions that might not align with contemporary expectations of governance and institutional behavior.

The expression "worship the seniors of the people" highlights the respect and deference frequently revealed to senior senators, who build up differing degrees of impact and authority merely by the virtue of their tenure. This can be seen in how committee chairs and management positions often go to those with the longest service records, rather than necessarily the most capable or ingenious people. This deference to seniority can be viewed as a restricting factor in legal innovation and dynamism.

The "territorial crucial" refers to the strong emphasis on state commitment and the prioritization of state interests over nationwide or communal initiatives. Senators, elected to represent particular states, often focus their efforts on protecting benefits and securities for their constituents, sometimes at the cost of more comprehensive national requirements. This territorial focus can hamper bipartisan cooperation and compromise, leading to gridlock or parochial policymaking.

In general, McCarthy's quote serves as a critical reflection on how traditional structures, age-based hierarchies, and localized priorities may constrain the Senate's capability to function as a forward-thinking and adaptive legislative body. It motivates a conversation about the need for institutional reform and a reevaluation of practices that may prevent effective governance in a modern democratic society.