Good to have your historic perspective.
But constitutional interpretation collapsed after the 17th amendment. Rise of the progressive movement. We had HALF the world’s GDP back in 1900. How has our nation gotten any better after electing senators?
100% agree. Federal populism brought forth by the 17th amendment severely damaged the power of states and state governments.
The Senate was supposed to comprised of representatives of the state governments. Once the 17th took place, that was no longer the case.
There have been multiple instances where Senators have passed legislation that has direct negative effects on state governments and state budgets. See Obamacare as an example.
The progressive movement actually started in the 1840’s based upon ideas promulgated in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Have you not heard of the labor battles in the late 19th century. It has only grown as its growth is inevitable given democracy. It will end in tyranny as democratic movements always do. Constitutional government started to collapse with the Louisiana Purchase(There is no Constitutional authority for what Jefferson did, Marbury Vs. Madison is not covered in the Constitution)
You assume that a lack of State selection of senators Caused our collapse. It did not-look at what was elected President in 2008
What type of electorate elects a negro Community organizer from Chicago as President? What type of electorate follows Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton? YOU WANT THOSE TYPE PEOPLE SENDING REPRESENTATIVES TO A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION?????
We can’t go back as American ideas have changed. Look what was elected President in 2008.