Question

question 2 of 10

what did the seventeenth amendment do?

a. established an electoral college for all state elections
b. established an electoral college for senatorial elections
c. allowed voters to directly elect senators
d. allowed voters to directly elect the u.s. president

Explanation:

Identify the purpose of the Seventeenth Amendment

The Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1913 during the Progressive Era. Prior to its passage, Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution mandated that U.S. senators be chosen by state legislatures rather than by direct popular vote.

Analyze the historical context and reform goals

Progressive reformers argued that the original system led to corruption, political bargaining, and corporate influence over state legislatures. By advocating for the direct election of senators, reformers aimed to make the federal government more democratic and directly accountable to the citizens.

Evaluate the given multiple-choice options

• Option A is incorrect because the Electoral College is not used for state-level elections.
• Option B is incorrect because the Electoral College is used only for presidential elections, not senatorial elections.
• Option C is correct because the Seventeenth Amendment established the direct popular election of U.S. senators by the voters of each state.
• Option D is incorrect because the U.S. president is still elected via the Electoral College, not by a direct national popular vote.

Answer:

• (A) Established an Electoral College for all state elections
• (B) Established an Electoral College for senatorial elections
• (C) Allowed voters to directly elect senators (Correct answer)
• (D) Allowed voters to directly elect the U.S. president