Final answer:
The 17th Amendment changed how senators were elected by transitioning from appointment or selection by state legislatures to direct election by the people.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 17th Amendment changed how senators were elected by transitioning from appointment or selection by state legislatures to direct election by the people. Prior to this amendment, senators were chosen by state legislators, which led to citizens feeling resentment towards those senators who they perceived were selected based on personal connections rather than qualifications.