What did the Seventeenth Amendment achieve?

The Seventeenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, fundamentally changed the way U.S. senators were elected. Prior to this amendment, senators were chosen by state legislatures, which often led to corruption and political maneuvering. The Seventeenth Amendment established the direct election of senators by the people, thus enhancing democratic participation and accountability. This means that voters now have the power to directly select their senators, which was intended to reduce the influence of political machines and increase the responsiveness of senators to the needs of their constituents. This shift was significant in promoting the idea of government by the people and reflects the broader Progressive Era reforms aimed at increasing citizen involvement in governance.