17th Amendment

Definition

The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution established the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote, rather than their previous selection by state legislatures. This amendment was a significant milestone in the Populist and Progressive movements, as it aimed to increase the power of the people in the political process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 17th Amendment was ratified in 1913, marking a major victory for the Populist and Progressive movements in their efforts to make the U.S. government more responsive to the will of the people.
2. Prior to the 17th Amendment, U.S. Senators were chosen by state legislatures, which was seen by Populists and Progressives as undemocratic and allowing for corruption and the undue influence of wealthy special interests.
3. The direct election of Senators was viewed as a way to reduce the power of political machines and party bosses, and to give more voice to average citizens in the political process.
4. The 17th Amendment was part of a broader set of reforms during the Progressive Era that sought to make government more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the general public.
5. The direct election of Senators was also seen as a way to address the concerns of farmers and other agrarian interests, who felt that the political system was dominated by urban, industrial interests.

Review Questions

• How did the 17th Amendment address the concerns of the Populist movement?
  • The 17th Amendment's establishment of the direct election of U.S. Senators was a key victory for the Populist movement, which sought to empower the common people against the perceived control of the government by large businesses and elites. Prior to the amendment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures, which Populists saw as undemocratic and allowing for corruption and the undue influence of wealthy special interests. The direct election of Senators was viewed as a way to reduce the power of political machines and party bosses, and to give more voice to average citizens in the political process, addressing the Populists' core concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of the elite.
• Explain how the 17th Amendment was connected to the broader goals of the Progressive movement.
  • The 17th Amendment was part of a broader set of reforms during the Progressive Era that sought to make government more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the general public. The direct election of Senators was seen as a way to address the perceived undue influence of wealthy special interests and political machines, and to give more power to the people in the political process. This aligned with the Progressives' goals of strengthening democracy and addressing social and economic injustices. The 17th Amendment was therefore a significant milestone in the Progressives' efforts to make the U.S. government more representative and responsive to the will of the people.
• Analyze how the 17th Amendment's impact on the political landscape may have influenced the relationship between the Populist and Progressive movements.
  • The 17th Amendment's establishment of the direct election of Senators likely strengthened the relationship between the Populist and Progressive movements, as it represented a shared victory in their efforts to make the U.S. government more democratic and responsive to the needs of the common people. Both movements sought to reduce the power of entrenched political and economic elites, and the 17th Amendment was seen as a way to give more voice to average citizens in the political process. This alignment of goals and interests may have fostered greater cooperation and collaboration between the Populist and Progressive movements, as they recognized the 17th Amendment as a significant step towards achieving their broader objectives of political and social reform. The amendment's impact on the political landscape may have also reinforced the movements' shared belief in the importance of grassroots, democratic participation in shaping the country's future.

Related terms

Direct Election: The process where voters directly elect representatives, rather than those representatives being chosen indirectly by other bodies like state legislatures.

Populist Movement: A political movement in the late 19th/early 20th century that sought to empower the common people against the perceived control of the government and economy by large businesses and elites.

Progressive Movement: A reform movement in the late 19th/early 20th century that sought to address social injustices and strengthen democracy through measures like increased government regulation and a more active role for the federal government.