Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution Facts for Kids

The Seventeenth Amendment (also called Amendment XVII) is a change to the U.S. Constitution. It was officially approved on April 8, 1913. This amendment changed how U.S. Senators are chosen. Before this, state lawmakers (called legislatures) picked Senators. The Seventeenth Amendment made it so that people vote directly for their Senators. This was a big change that gave more power to the voters.

Why the 17th Amendment Was Needed
- How the Amendment Was Proposed
What the 17th Amendment Says
Text of the Amendment
Images for kids
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Why the 17th Amendment Was Needed

When the U.S. Constitution was first written in 1788, it said that state legislatures would choose Senators. This system lasted for 125 years. But by the late 1800s, many problems appeared.

Sometimes, a Senate seat would be empty for a long time. State lawmakers couldn't agree on who to pick. This meant states didn't have full representation in the Senate. Also, powerful groups or "political machines" started to control state legislatures. They would pick Senators who served their own interests, not the people's. Many people saw the Senate as a "millionaire's club."

Because of these problems, people wanted a change. They believed that voters should choose their Senators directly.

How the Amendment Was Proposed

Starting in the 1890s, the House of Representatives tried to change the Constitution. They passed ideas (called resolutions) to let people vote directly for Senators. But the Senate didn't even vote on these ideas.

So, states tried a different plan. The Constitution allows two ways to change it. One way is for both the House and Senate to vote for a change. The other way is if two-thirds of the states ask for a special meeting (a constitutional convention). This second way had never been used.

When it looked like enough states wanted a convention, Congress finally acted. In 1911, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to let people directly elect Senators. The Senate agreed to it, and it was sent to the states. Three-quarters of the states approved the amendment. The Seventeenth Amendment became official on April 8, 1913.

What the 17th Amendment Says

The Seventeenth Amendment has three main parts, called clauses.

Clause 1: Direct Election of Senators

This part says that people in each state will elect two Senators. Each Senator serves for six years and gets one vote in the Senate. Today, there are 100 Senators and 100 votes.

It also says that anyone who can vote in their state's elections can vote for a Senator. This means states can have different rules for who can vote.

Clause 2: Filling Vacancies

This part deals with what happens when a Senator leaves office early. Before the 17th Amendment, it was hard to fill these empty spots. Sometimes, seats stayed empty for months or even years.

Now, if a Senator dies or leaves office, the state's governor can pick a temporary Senator. This temporary Senator serves until a special election can be held. This makes sure states always have their voices heard in the Senate.

Clause 3: No Interruption to Current Senators

This last part is simple. It made sure that the new amendment didn't stop any Senator from finishing their term if they were chosen before the amendment passed. The first time people across the country voted directly for Senators was in the 1914 elections.

Text of the 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.

Images for kids

The Seventeenth Amendment document at the National Archives.
James Wilson was the only person at the Constitutional Convention who wanted Senators to be elected by popular vote.
William Jennings Bryan worked hard to get U.S. senators elected by the people.