This appears to not be discussed as much as the other travesties of 1913 (the Federal Reserve & 16th Amendment for Income Tax).

But I believe 17th Amendment was also a travesty for the Republic.

First we have to talk about what powers the Senate has.

1. Advice and Consent: The Senate confirms President’s nominations of cabinet-level and several other top officials and importantly confirmation of Supreme-court Justices.

2. Ratification of international treaties

Next, how were these powers were subverted by the 17th Amendment?

1. By passing 17th, Senate-confirmed officers would not necessarily have states’ rights at heart whereas prior, it would be assumed Senators would have guarded their state’s interests better.

2. Policy Laundering through treaties: the Deepstate can use treaties to implement policies that would be held as unconstitutional if they were stand-alone laws. In wake of WW1, it is no surprise there was rise of international organizations and rules etc. to implement the New World Order. Treaties are integral to this process.

3. Prior to 17th Amendment, the Senate was the structural element in the Constitution backing up the 10th Amendment (States’ Rights). After the 17th, the federal government has largely shredded the 10th Amendment.

4. Lobbying: Prior to 17th Amendment, lobbyists and special interests would have to lobby each state’s assembly to get their interests implemented. This was very inefficient for them, whereas with direct election of Senators they have a one-stop shop to implement favorable uniform policy across the Land. What is more cost-efficient? Lobbying 51 to 60 Senators or the several thousand state assemblymen?