Seventeenth Amendment

The podcast discusses the Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which allowed for the popular election of U.S. Senators, shifting the power from state legislatures to the people. This change aimed to reduce corruption and improve the reputation of state legislatures. The amendment also addressed how vacancies in the Senate should be filled. The podcast explains the text and meaning of the amendment, highlighting its impact on the political landscape, including the application of the Bill of Rights to the states and the reduction of undue political influence. The episode concludes with a call to explore more resources.

What was the primary change introduced by the Seventeenth Amendment?

• It allowed the President to appoint Senators.

• It enabled the popular election of U.S. Senators.

• It reduced the term length of Senators.

• It increased the number of Senators per state.

Before the Seventeenth Amendment, how were U.S. Senators chosen?

• By the Supreme Court.

• By state legislatures.

• By the President of the United States.

• By popular vote of the citizens.

When was the Seventeenth Amendment ratified?

• 1914

• 1913

• 1919

• 1912

What provision does the Seventeenth Amendment make for Senate vacancies?

• The President appoints a new Senator.

• The seat remains vacant until the next general election.

• The governor can make a temporary appointment until a special election is held.

• The state legislature appoints a new Senator.

What was a significant effect of the Seventeenth Amendment on state legislatures?

• They became more involved in federal elections.

• They were abolished.

• They lost power and had to focus more on local issues.

• They gained more power over national issues.

How did the Seventeenth Amendment affect the principle of one-man, one-vote?

• It had no effect on the principle.

• It weakened the principle.

• It strengthened the principle.

• It eliminated the principle.

What was one of the reasons for the adoption of the Seventeenth Amendment?

• To increase the power of state legislatures.

• To reduce corruption in the selection of Senators.

• To decrease the number of Senators.

• To allow the President to have more control over the Senate.

What change did the Seventeenth Amendment bring to the Supreme Court's role?

• It allowed the Supreme Court to appoint Senators.

• It enabled the Supreme Court to apply the Bill of Rights to the states.

• It increased the number of Supreme Court justices.

• It reduced the Supreme Court's influence over state laws.

What was a direct benefit of the Seventeenth Amendment for the average citizen?

• Increased influence of wealthy individuals.

• More direct control over the election of their Senators.

• More power for state legislatures.

• Longer terms for Senators.

What is a recommended resource for further exploration of the Seventeenth Amendment?

• The Library of Congress

• The White House website

• The National Archives

• AncestralFindings.com