The current President, Joan Dillas-Wright, was appointed to the Senate in 2008 and previously was CEO of the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Historically, the Council, composed of members of Bermuda's wealthy merchant class, had been the true centre of power, rather than the elected House of Assembly, or the governor despatched from overseas.

The balance of power began to shift away from the Council in the 19th century, when Bermuda assumed a new importance in imperial security, and when the governor became also the commander-in-chief of the naval establishment and military garrison.

Political parties were legalised, and the system of a responsible government, from which a premier was appointed and the cabinet ministers were drawn, and a minority opposition was adopted.

The property qualification was abolished and the system of suffrage, by which the members of the lower house were elected, and which had historically been limited to male landowners, was finally extended to all adults.