Quote:No, you have to remember that when the Constitution was ratified the State governments were considered to be the primary 

 

 

Sorry bro, Madison in Federalist #62:

 

"II. It is equally unnecessary to dilate on the appointment of senators by the State legislatures. Among the various modes which might have been devised for constituting this branch of the government, that which has been proposed by the convention is probably the most congenial with the public opinion. It is recommended by the double advantage of favoring a select appointment, and of giving to the State governments such an agency in the formation of the federal government as must secure the authority of the former, and may form a convenient link between the two systems."

 

Yeah, you're right.   I was talking about the Connecticut Compromise but you are right, that came after the original design, which was to have Senators elected by state legislatures.  

 

That said, don't you think having Senators elected by the politicians in the legislature would lead to a corrupt process?   That's one of the reasons they passed the 17th Amendment in the first place: allegations that Senate seats were being bought and sold in the state legislatures. 

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