direct election of Senators

Direct election of senators allows citizens to vote for their state’s senators directly, rather than having them chosen by state legislatures. This system, established by the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913, aims to enhance democratic participation and accountability. By empowering voters, direct elections ensure that senators represent the will of the people, promoting transparency in government. Before this amendment, senators were appointed by state legislatures, which sometimes led to corruption and disconnect from public interests. Today, senators serve six-year terms and are elected by a majority vote in their respective states.