What amendment established the direct election of Senators?

The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, established the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people rather than by state legislatures. This amendment aimed to reduce corruption and increase democratic participation, as it allowed citizens to have a direct say in who represents them in the Senate. Prior to this amendment, state legislatures often controlled the selection process, which could lead to political maneuvering and less accountability to voters. The shift to direct elections was part of the Progressive Era reforms, which sought to enhance democracy and curb the influence of political machines. This amendment has had a lasting impact on the way Senators are elected and reflects a significant change in the relationship between the electorate and their representatives.