What does the 17th Amendment establish regarding Senators?

The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, established that Senators are to be directly elected by the citizens of each state. This shift from the previous system, where Senators were chosen by state legislatures, aimed to enhance democratic representation and reduce corruption in the selection process. The amendment reflects a broader movement towards increasing voter participation and reducing the influence of political machines in government. Therefore, the direct election of Senators ensures that they are accountable to the voters, aligning their interests more closely with those of their constituents.