What does Constitutional Amendment 17 establish?

Constitutional Amendment 17, ratified in 1913, establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators by the voters in their respective states. Before this amendment, senators were chosen by state legislatures, which often led to corruption and a disconnect between the senators and the electorate. The introduction of direct elections aimed to enhance democracy by allowing citizens to have a direct voice in selecting their representatives in the Senate. This shift was part of a broader Progressive Era movement to improve government responsiveness and accountability, ensuring that senators would be more aligned with the interests and needs of their constituents. This amendment fundamentally changed the way senators were chosen, making it a significant landmark in expanding the democratic process in the United States.