Existing comment:
Corrupt Millionaires
The Senate was alleged to be corrupt, unresponsive to citizens, and filled with millionaires who spent too much on campaigns, according to many Progressive Era critics like the State Grange of Illinois. In response, the 17th Amendment was ratified in 1913. It provided for direct election of senators by the people, in place of election by state legislatures.
Petition of the State Grange of Illinois for the direct election of senators, January 1, 1898
Records of the U.S. Senate |