GoingSmart (@westand2024)

The US Senate popular vote began in 1913 (Amendment 17). Originally, US Senators were appointed by the State Senates (similar to the Electoral College). The State Senates would vote on which 2 people to send to Washington every 6-years. The change in 1913 meant both branches of the Federal Legislature would be elected by popular vote, which eliminated State Rights for the US Senate AND permits high-population areas to elect statewide US Senators (e.g. In California: San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego control US Senate elections).