Two former heads of state, Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle and Augusto Pinochet, were installed as senators for life.

The Senate of Chile was created in 1812 to support the formulations of policies of the Government Junta.

It functioned from November, 1812 to January, 1814, when it was reorganized to better respond to the problems caused by the successive military defeats at the hands of the advancing Spanish Army.

As its predecessor, it was composed of seven titular members (only) nominated by the provinces in lists of three from which they were selected by the Supreme Director.

It functioned from March to July, 1814, when the Spanish Army captured Santiago, putting an end to the Patria Vieja government.