GED Social Studies - 17th Amendment
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TIME LIMIT 40 min.
"The 17th Amendment"
The 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, significantly changed the way U.S. Senators were selected. Before the amendment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures, often leading to corruption and political maneuvering. The 17th Amendment introduced direct election of Senators by the people of each state, making the Senate more accountable to the public and reducing the influence of special interests in state legislatures.
This amendment was part of the broader Progressive Era reforms that sought to make government more democratic and responsive to citizens. By allowing the people to directly elect Senators, the amendment aimed to reduce corruption, improve government transparency, and increase public control over the legislative process.
The 17th Amendment consists of two key sections. The first mandates that Senators be elected by the people, while the second outlines the process for filling vacancies in the Senate, typically through special elections or temporary appointments by state governors. This amendment is significant because it shifted power from state governments to the voters, reinforcing the democratic principle of popular sovereignty and shaping the modern U.S. political system, where elected officials are directly accountable to the electorate.
Notable Speeches Related to the 17th Amendment
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Woodrow Wilson - "The New Freedom" (1913)
- Context: President Wilson emphasized reforms that were essential for democracy, highlighting the need for the direct election of Senators.
- Speech:
“We shall have to enter... into an era of a new freedom... This is the only way we can secure a system of government that is truly representative.”
- Full Text: The New Freedom
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Theodore Roosevelt - Speech to the Progressive National Convention (1912)
- Context: Roosevelt discussed the need for political reforms to make government more responsive to the people.
- Speech:
“We must lay our hands upon the public machinery and make it serve the people, not the interests of the few.”
- Full Text: Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive National Convention Speech
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Robert La Follette - Speech on Direct Election of Senators (1908)
- Context: La Follette, a prominent Progressive, advocated for the direct election of Senators to reduce corruption.
- Speech:
“The people are the government and in the end, only they can bring about the necessary reforms.”
- Full Text: Robert La Follette Speech on Direct Election
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Jane Addams - Speech at the National American Woman Suffrage Association (1910)
- Context: Addams linked women’s suffrage to the broader fight for democratic reforms, including direct election.
- Speech:
“If we are to make a governing body responsive to the people, we must ensure the representation of all citizens, including women.”
- Full Text: Suffrage and Social Justice
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William Jennings Bryan - "Cross of Gold" Speech (1896)
- Context: While primarily focused on economic policies, Bryan's speech addressed the struggles against special interests and the need for political reform.
- Speech:
“You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns; you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.”
- Full Text: Cross of Gold Speech
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Harry M. Daugherty - Address to the American Bar Association (1912)
- Context: Daugherty argued for reforms to mitigate corruption and promote accountability in government.
- Speech:
“The election of Senators through popular vote will restore faith in our legislators and ensure that they are accountable to the people who elect them.”
- Source: While there’s no direct transcript, his views can be gleaned from reform-related publications and reports of that year.
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Senator Joseph E. Brown - Speech in the U.S. Senate (1912)
- Context: Brown supported the 17th Amendment, advocating for the necessity of direct elections to curb corruption.
- Speech:
“Let the people themselves select their representatives, rather than relying on a system marred by corruption and favoritism.”
- Source: Historical records of congressional debates can be reviewed for this context.
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John A. Harlan - Speech on Senate Elections (1911)
- Context: Harlan spoke about increasing accountability and ensuring that Senators represent the will of the people.
- Speech:
“A senator should reflect the will of the people; thus, their election must be placed in the hands of the electorate.”
- Source: Review Congressional records for specifics during debates on the amendment.
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Alva S. Adams - Speech on Democracy (1911)
- Context: Adams advocated for more democratic reforms, including the direct election of Senators.
- Speech:
“Our government must be for the people, by the people, and of the people, and that includes the way we elect our senators.”
- Source: Similar historical records detail his positions through writings and comments.
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Senator George W. Norris - Remarks in Favor of the 17th Amendment (1912)
- Context: Norris argued compellingly in favor of direct elections for Senators, emphasizing accountability.
- Speech:
“Let us make the elections of our senators by the people of the states; let us put the sovereignty of the government back where it belongs—with the citizens.”
- Source: Congressional debates on the 17th Amendment include Norris' remarks on this topic.
This compilation reflects key thoughts during the Progressive Era, emphasizing the call for direct democracy and political reform that culminated in the passage of the 17th Amendment in 1913.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Title | 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution |
Ratified Year | 1913 |
Previous Method of Selecting Senators | Chosen by state legislatures |
Key Change | Direct election of Senators by the people |
Goals |
Reduce corruption in Senator selection, Improve government transparency, Increase public control over the legislative process |
Sections |
1: Mandates that Senators be elected by the people, 2: Outlines the process for filling vacancies in the Senate (special elections or temporary appointments by governors) |
Significance |
Shifted power from state governments to voters, Reinforced the principle of popular sovereignty, Shaped the modern U.S. political system |
Movement | Progressive Era reforms |