Constitution Cards

All cards โ€บ Amendment XVII

Amendment XVII: Senators elected by the people

Passed by Congress May 13, 1912. Ratified April 8, 1913.

In plain English

Senators are elected directly by voters instead of being chosen by state legislatures.

Article I, section 3, of the Constitution was modified by the 17th amendment.

Original text

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

Plain-English summaries are simplified for learning. Courts interpret these words in detail; this is general information, not legal advice.

Source: National Archives