Ratified in 1913, Amendment XVII to our constitution provides for popular election of senators. Prior to that, senators were elected by the legislatures of the states. Ever since senators became subject to the popular vote, things have gone downhill.
YES! This is where we lost the Republic. Along with the XVI Amendment to the constitution, The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes.... Repeal of these two amendments would go a long way toward restoring the republic
TG