The two ways the 17th Amendment addressed the concern expressed in the cartoon is by establishing the election of senators by popular vote. In the original articles of the Constitution, senators were elected by state legislators. This was a political cartoon supporting the 17th Amendment. It portrayed the amendment as a path to Democracy once covered by obstacles and/ or boulders. The 17th Amendment - The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people there of, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislators. When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided that the legislator may direct. This Amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.
