How To Reduce Influence of Special Interests in Congress

Americans did not directly vote for senators for the first 125 years of the Federal Government. The Constitution, as it was adopted in 1788, stated that senators would be elected by state legislatures.

On April 8, 1913, three-quarters of the states ratified the 17th Amendment.

Note: Article I, section 3, of the Constitution was modified by the 17th amendment. 

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures. 

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. 

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

As it turns out, this Amendment, gave way for Special Interest Groups to financially support elections of their favored Lawmakers.

It’s Time To Repeal The 17th Amendment And End Direct Election Of Senators