What did the 17th Amendment change about the election of U.S. Senators?

The 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, fundamentally changed the way U.S. Senators were elected by establishing the direct election of senators by the citizens of each state. Prior to this amendment, senators were chosen by state legislatures, which could lead to issues such as corruption and deadlocks within state governments. The adoption of the 17th Amendment aimed to enhance democratic participation by allowing voters to directly influence their representation in the Senate, thereby increasing accountability and ensuring that senators would be more responsive to the needs and preferences of their constituents. This reform was seen as a significant step in the progression of democratic principles in American governance.