Ratified on April 8, 1913, the 17th Amendment…

Ratified on April 8, 1913, the 17th Amendment allowed for direct election of senators by the people. The Amendment was in response to the previous system which was inefficient and more susceptible to corruption.

Although big business and special interests still have a big impact on elections, placing the power to elect 2 senators per state directly in the hands of the people added a powerful political check. The Amendment also helped to prevent vacancies due to party infighting or leadership changes. Increased voter representation did reduce the power of state legislatures over the federal government due to losing influence over the process.