Final answer:
The Seventeenth Amendment established the direct election of U.S. senators by the people, replacing the prior system where state legislatures selected senators. It also set up six-year staggered terms for senators.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Seventeenth Amendment created a system for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people of the states. Before the passage of this amendment in 1913, senators were selected by state legislatures, which sometimes led to scandalous elections and the perception that senators were chosen due to personal connections rather than qualifications. The direct election system made senators accountable to the citizens, similar to the way representatives are elected to the House of Representatives.
In addition to providing for direct election, the Seventeenth Amendment also established six-year staggered terms for senators, ensuring that no more than one-third of the Senate is up for reelection at any given time. This contributed to the Senate being considered a 'continuous body' and helped maintain stability within the legislative process.