What was the impact of the Seventeenth Amendment?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the consequences and effects of the Seventeenth Amendment, specifically regarding how it changed the election of senators and its broader implications on American politics and governance.
Answer
Shifted senatorial elections to direct popular vote, changing federal-state power dynamics.
The Seventeenth Amendment shifted the election of U.S. senators from state legislatures to direct election by the people, altering the balance of power between state and federal governments.
Answer for screen readers
The Seventeenth Amendment shifted the election of U.S. senators from state legislatures to direct election by the people, altering the balance of power between state and federal governments.
More Information
The Seventeenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, changed how U.S. senators were elected, by shifting the selection process from state legislatures to a direct popular vote. This amendment aimed to reduce corruption and increase democratic input by having voters directly elect senators.
Tips
A common mistake is to overlook the significant impact this change had on the balance of power, reducing the influence of state governments in federal legislative processes.
Sources
- 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Direct Election of U.S. Senators - archives.gov
- Interpretation: The Seventeenth Amendment | Constitution Center - constitutioncenter.org
- Seventeenth Amendment Weakened Balance of Power Between States and Federal Government - heritage.org
