Table of Contents
Why was 17th Amendment passed?
The push for the Seventeenth Amendment occurred both in state legislatures and the House of Representatives. The arguments for the Seventeenth Amendment sounded in the case for direct democracy, the problem of hung state legislatures, and in freeing the Senate from the influence of corrupt state legislatures.
What did the 17th Amendment allow for the voters?
Passed by Congress May 13, 1912, and ratified April 8, 1913, the 17th amendment modified Article I, section 3, of the Constitution by allowing voters to cast direct votes for U.S. Senators.
What Amendment changed how senators are elected?
The Seventeenth Amendment restates the first paragraph of Article I, section 3 of the Constitution and provides for the election of senators by replacing the phrase “chosen by the Legislature thereof” with “elected by the people thereof.” In addition, it allows the governor or executive authority of each state, if …
What amendment changed how senators are elected?
What was the role of state legislatures in the Seventeenth Amendment?
State legislatures retained the theoretical right to “instruct” their senators to vote for or against proposals, thus giving the states both direct and indirect representation in the federal government.
How are the members of the Senate elected?
The Text of the Seventeenth Amendment. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures.
How did the 17th Amendment to the Constitution get ratified?
A substitute amendment by Senator Joseph L. Bristow (R-KS) removed the “race rider.” The amended Joint Resolution was adopted by the Senate on a close vote in May of 1911. Over a year later, the House accepted the change, and the amendment was sent to the states for ratification.
What was the text of the Seventeenth Amendment?
The Text of the Seventeenth Amendment. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote.