Oh sure, we hear lots of talk concerning the first and second amendments to the US Constitution - the ones dealing with free speech and the right to keep and bear arms.  However, we don't often hear people's discussion of the 17th Amendment.

The 17th Amendment was created  in 1913 and it allows for the direct election of US Senators.  Prior to the passage, US Senators were actually elected by the state representatives in their respective states.  

It's ironic to consider that the main argument for passing the 17th Amendment, was the need to "eliminate the vast sums of money spent by individuals seeking the US Senate seats, and the inevitable corruption that ensued".  The 17th Amendment promised to rid us of all those problems. 

Funny  how that worked out for us.  It reminds me of the old adage that, "the cure is sometimes worse than the disease".