Final answer:
The Seventeenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, changed the selection of U.S. Senators from being appointed by state legislatures to being directly elected by the people of the states, aiming to increase democratic representation and governmental accountability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
The Seventeenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, brought a significant change to the U.S. Constitution by altering the method in which Senators were chosen. Prior to this amendment, Senators were elected by state legislatures, a practice that led to various scandals and the perception of corruption, resulting in widespread public dissatisfaction. The key change implemented by the Seventeenth Amendment was the establishment of the direct election of Senators by the people of the states, thus ensuring a more democratic and transparent process.
This amendment was a direct response to the critique that the pre-existing method allowed for the appointment of Senators based on their personal and business relationships with state legislators, rather than their merits and qualifications. The change aimed to rectify the democratic deficit and ensure that Senators would be more accountable to the citizens of their respective states. With the adoption of the Seventeenth Amendment, the Senate was thereafter composed of members directly elected by the population, similar to the House of Representatives.