The 17th Amendment and the Direct Election of Senators

U.S. Senate Historian Emeritus Richard Baker discussed the 17th amendment and the effect that the direct election of Senators had on the body.

When did the 17th Amendment pass? When was the idea of direct election of senators first proposed? Why had it not previously passed?
Explain two of the factors that led to the passing of the 17th Amendment.
What effect did the passing of the amendment have on Senators and the Senate?

Lesson Plan: The Expansion of Voting in the United States
This lesson explores the expansion of voting rights in the United States through different Constitutional amendments and laws. It also applies these lessons to current issues relating to voting such as voter ID laws, felons and voting rights for the District of Columbia.