One could make a valid argument that the concept of strong state powers ceased with the Civil War.
You’re absolutely correct.
Also that loss of states’ power is not even SLIGHTLY related to the progressives attempts to drive a stake into the heart of the Republic in the early 20th century.
All the above still leaves open the likelyhood that the 17th is a progressive shot at state power , not an admission that appt. of senators was a failure.
Personally I don’t have faith in the voters doing a better job than the state legislatures. After all, look who’s _resident. Even if only 1/3 the states do it right (remember the constutional purpose of appts) we’d be way ahead of where we are now.
JMHO
Except that you’re not going to get 1/3rd of Senators behaving like the statesmen of yore. You couldn’t even get Ted Cruz elected in Texas under that system. If even Texas would send useless RINOs like David Dewhurst and Karl Rove (why Rove ? Because it would’ve been pushed by Dubya for a reward for his service to him — and if TX elects Dewhurst, it would easily elect Rove, another establishment liberal), how many other states would send a Constitutional Conservative ? I guarantee you, sir, the number would be near to zero.
I put zero faith in our legislators to choose good people, when it’s all about the pork and the power. A dangerous combination.