Yep. Corporations buying off legislatures was the biggest reason we needed the 17th Amendment, but there are other reasons too.
For one, if a legislature had split party control, it would often deadlock on who to appoint and states could go years without Senate representation.
For one, if a legislature had split party control, it would often deadlock on who to appoint and states could go years without Senate representation.
Another problem with the pre-17th Amendment Senate appointment system: as the power of the federal govt grew over the 19th century, Senate appointments started to be the only issue dominating legislative elections, nationalizing these races and sidelining debate of local issues.
Today, 17A repealers argue if we went back to the old way, states would take control of the national debt.
Even the conservative Heritage Foundation has debunked this idea, pointing out that state pols have HUGE incentive to increase federal spending. heritage.org/the-constituti…
Even the conservative Heritage Foundation has debunked this idea, pointing out that state pols have HUGE incentive to increase federal spending. heritage.org/the-constituti…
The real reason so many conservatives want to repeal the 17th is that Republicans have gerrymandered way more legislatures than Democrats have.
By my estimate, if every legislature elected a senator of their own party, the GOP Senate majority would currently be between 60 to 62.
By my estimate, if every legislature elected a senator of their own party, the GOP Senate majority would currently be between 60 to 62.
