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AP Success - AP US History: Context on the 17th Amendment

The 17th Amendment was one of the Amendements passed during the Progressive Era.

Americans did not directly vote for senators for the first 125 years of the Federal Government. The Constitution, as it was adopted in 1788, stated that senators would be elected by state legislatures. The first proposal to amend the Constitution to elect senators by popular vote was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1826, but the idea did not gain considerable support until the late 19th century when several problems related to Senate elections had become evident. Several state legislatures deadlocked over the election of senators, which led to Senate vacancies lasting months and even years. In other cases, political machines gained control over state legislatures, and the Senators elected with their support were dismissed as puppets. In addition, the Senate was seen as a “millionaire's club” serving powerful private interests. The rise of the People's Party, commonly referred to as the Populist Party, added motivation for making the Senate more directly accountable to the people.

“17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Direct Election of U.S. Senators.” National Archives.

Question 1

Short answer

Briefly describe ONE problem concerning American politics before the excerpt of the 17th Amendment described in the excerpt.

Question 2

Short answer

Briefly explain ONE specific historical development that led to the excerpt of the 17th Amendment.

Question 3

Short answer

Briefly explain ONE way the excerpt of the 17th Amendment affected American politics from 1917 to 1945.

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