Motivations Behind the Seventeenth Amendment

Throughout the Progressive Era, reformers worked diligently to address the myriad of social injustices and political corruption that plagued American society. Among the various reforms instituted during this time, several key pieces of legislation sought to enhance democratic participation and protect individual rights. One such effort was the push for direct election of Senators, which aimed to reduce the influence of corrupt state legislatures on the selection process. This measure would eventually culminate in the passage of the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913.

Which of the following was a primary motivation behind the adoption of the Seventeenth Amendment?