Senators in the Roman Empire were not as powerful as they were during the times of the Roman Republic. Despite this, they still held considerable influence within the empire. By the fall of the Roman Republic, the Roman senate had declined to a point where they were irrelevant. Although they could still help rule the empire and could advise the emperor, the balance of power had shifted towards the emperor instead of the senate. However, the name of the senate was still held in high esteem as the Roman public never recognized the Roman emperor as an "emperor". This led to men who were vying for positions in the senate only for prestige and influence within the empire.
Power/Rights
Because of the growing power of the Roman Empire and the emperor, the power of the senate had been reduced to a position of irrelevance. Instead of creating laws and enforcing them, the senate became a figurehead to keep the image of a republic for the people of Rome. The emperor controlled the senate, and used the senate as an advisory body. Senators were originally very powerful people and made up of solely of patricians during the time of the republic. However, during the time of the Roman Empire, the number of senators had increased from 600 to 900, which brought in equestrians, the lower aristocracy of the empire, and the plebeians, the common working men of the empire. However, not all senators had equal rights as senators who were chosen by censors to fill positions were not allowed to vote, or speak on the floor. The senate was required to report back to the emperor, making them secondary to the emperor. Members under the imperial reign were also restricted from engaging in business to avoid a conflict of interest.
Employment
In order to become a senator during the imperial period of Rome, a Roman must have property that was worth 1,000,000 sesterces. This is consistent with how the Roman class system was based on wealth. In addition to this, a Roman must be 32 years of age, and must have administrative experience, and military experience. This means that one would have to start at the very bottom of the government as quaestor, as well as serve in the army, in order to become a senator. Because the emperor controlled the senate, senators were often appointed by the former and could be removed as well. This made it incredibly difficult to become a senator, as no common man could afford to become as involved in politics as the wealthier aristocracy could. So despite it being open to all citizens, the senate was made up mostly of equestrians, and patricians.