Understanding the Seventeenth Amendment: Direct Election of Senators

The video discusses the 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, which changed the process of electing U.S. senators from being chosen by state legislatures to direct election by the people. Initially, the Constitution called for senators to be selected by state legislatures, but this led to issues such as deadlocks and vacant seats. The push for change began in 1826, but gained momentum in the late 1800s due to widespread problems. The 17th Amendment resolved these issues by allowing direct elections and enabling governors to temporarily fill vacant seats. The video concludes with a review and quiz on the topic.

What issue did the 17th Amendment address regarding Senate vacancies?

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What is the length of a senator's term of office as established by the Constitution?

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