A Senatus-consulte of December 25, made all of the necessary adjustments, and the constitution of 1852, with occasional modifications, remained the fundamental law of France until the collapse of the Empire in 1870. Upon the emperor were conferred very extended powers.
"The Governments of Europe"
Frederic Austin Ogg
One was a Senatus-consulte of September 8, 1869, whereby the sittings of the Senate were made public, the Legislative Body was given the right to elect all of its own officials, and the parliamentary system was nominally re-established.
"The Governments of Europe"
Frederic Austin Ogg
Because they were the elders of the gentes they were called patres, fathers, and as a body Senatus, council of elders, from senex, old.
"The Origin of the Family Private Property and the State"
Frederick Engels