What were the arguments for and against electing senators directly?

Answer 1

Arguments for directly electing senators included enhancing democratic accountability, as it allows voters to choose their representatives directly, thereby increasing public engagement and trust in government. Direct elections were also seen as a way to reduce corruption and political patronage associated with state legislatures appointing senators. Conversely, opponents argued that direct election could undermine the federal structure by diminishing state influence in the federal government and could lead to a populist approach that prioritized short-term interests over long-term governance. Additionally, there were concerns about the potential for increased campaign costs and the influence of special interests in a direct election system.