What was the impact of the 17th Amendment?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the effects and consequences of the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which relates to the election of senators. It seeks to explore how this amendment changed the political landscape and governance in the U.S.
Answer
Direct election of U.S. senators by the public.
The impact of the 17th Amendment was the direct election of U.S. senators by the public, which altered the balance of power between state and federal governments.
Answer for screen readers
The impact of the 17th Amendment was the direct election of U.S. senators by the public, which altered the balance of power between state and federal governments.
More Information
Before the 17th Amendment, U.S. senators were chosen by state legislatures. The amendment aimed to reduce corruption and increase public control over the government.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming senators were always elected by the public. Initially, state legislatures elected them.
Sources
- Constitutional Amendments – Amendment 17 – “Direct Election of Senators” - reaganlibrary.gov
- 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Direct Election of U.S. Senators - archives.gov
- Seventeenth Amendment | Definition, Summary, & Facts - britannica.com
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