I have thought about writing an article entitled something like “The Top Ten Blunders in US History,” but had not previously considered including the 17th Amendment, which provides for direct popular election of senators. After reading Bruce Bartlett’s column today, I’m convinced that it makes the top ten.
Bartlett provides an enlightening historical discussion and correctly observes that the great upward swing in the size of the federal government began at about the time the 17th was ratified. It also coincides, of course, with the 16th, giving the feds power to impose income taxes. Both Amendments belong on the list!
