What amendment established the direct election of U.S. Senators?

The amendment that established the direct election of U.S. Senators is the 17th amendment. Ratified in 1913, it changed the original process outlined in the Constitution, which allowed state legislatures to elect Senators. The impetus for this change was a growing concern over corruption and the influence of special interests in state legislatures, as well as a desire for greater democratic participation in government.

By allowing voters to directly elect their Senators, the 17th amendment aimed to make the Senate more accountable to the public and to reflect the will of the citizens more directly. This shift was part of a broader progressive movement at the time, which sought to make government more responsive to the needs and desires of ordinary people. The successful implementation of this amendment marked a significant transformation in the relationship between the electorate and their representatives, emphasizing the principles of democracy and direct representation in the legislative process.