To view this on the COS website, click here restoring-state-power

Restoring State Power

Imagine a system where states, not just individuals, have a direct say in national governance. That was the original intent of the United States Constitution under Article I, Section 3, which mandated that each state's legislature select its senators rather than the citizens of that state through the ballot box. This mechanism ensured that senators would act as advocates for their state’s needs to the federal government.

However, the 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, changed this landscape by making senators directly elected by the people. Although this shift appears democratic, it has significantly reduced state power.

In this article, I explain why repealing the 17th Amendment is essential for restoring true state sovereignty and reestablishing the balance of power our Founding Fathers foresaw.

Convention of States (COS) under Article V

The Convention of States Project is calling for the convening of a Convention of States under Article V of the United States Constitution to propose amendments that will impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and impose term limits on its officials and members of Congress.

I would argue that repealing the 17th Amendment to restore state power is part of the Convention of States Project’s proposed amendment to limit the federal government's power and jurisdiction.

Historical Context: The Founding Fathers' Vision

The framers of the Constitution aimed to safeguard both individual and state interests. Before the 17th Amendm

ent, senators were chosen by state legislatures, which kept a strong connection between the states and the federal government. For example, this system meant senators were directly accountable to state legislatures, focusing on state issues and rights.

As the nation developed, the movement toward greater direct democracy gained momentum, leading to the 17th Amendment. Supporters claimed that this change made the government more responsive to citizens. However, this shift weakened the checks and balances intended to protect state interests. Instead of being active participants, states became reactive to federal priorities.

The Impact of the 17th Amendment

The shift to direct election of senators caused states to lose a crucial tool for asserting their sovereignty. Senators, instead of representing their states, became national figures aimed at broad electoral audiences.

Senators quickly realized that to win votes, they needed to secure federal funding. For example, state budgets increasingly depended on federal dollars, with over 30% of some states’ budgets sourced from the federal government. This dependence fostered a culture where states started to prioritize federal program funding over their own specific needs.

The Results: States as Servants of the Federal Government

The repercussions of the 17th Amendment have been significant. Accepting federal funds has redefined the role of states, making them viewed as subsidiaries of the federal system. Politicians see states not as equals but as regional branches competing for funding.

This dependence distorts state priorities. Legislators often redirect resources to align with federal initiatives, which may not reflect their constituents' wishes. Many state legislators believed that prioritizing federal initiatives hampers their ability to address local issues effectively.

Millions of taxpayer dollars allocated for state projects often support federal agendas instead of individual sovereign state priorities. This weakens true representation, hindering innovation and responsiveness at the state level.

The Call for Repeal: Returning Power to the States

To restore state sovereignty, we must return to the original structure of the Constitution. Repealing the 17th Amendment would reestablish the authority of state legislatures to appoint senators, enabling a greater focus on state interests in Washington.

This change would not only empower states but also create a more balanced system. Senators would be accountable to state legislatures, which could promote more collaboration instead of competition. This approach could encourage a healthier federal system where states work together to address national issues rather than fighting over a bigger share of federal funds.

Practical Steps Forward

The journey to repeal the 17th Amendment is challenging but possible. It will require working with our state legislatures to pass a resolution calling for a Convention of States, where this issue can best be addressed. Additionally, raising awareness among citizens is essential to gain their support in petitioning their state legislators to pass such a resolution. This includes North Carolina, which has yet to pass one. The COS grassroots movement is best equipped to educate the public about the adverse effects of the current system, thereby building citizen support.

The COS, focused on constitutional governance, can elevate this discussion across political platforms, emphasizing the advantages of restoring state power. Civic engagement initiatives can help constituents understand the complex implications of the 17th Amendment.

A Call to Action

The adoption of the 17th Amendment marked a crucial shift in the relationship between states and the federal government. It blurred the boundaries of sovereignty, making states reliant on federal resources rather than partners. Repealing this amendment is not just a legal change; it is an essential step toward restoring the balance of power intended by our Founders.

The urgent need to reclaim sovereignty highlights the importance of an empowered state system for maintaining the constitutional framework that upholds American democracy. Supporting the repeal of the 17th Amendment respects the Constitution's original intent and encourages more responsive governance—one that genuinely upholds the principles of liberty and independence.

Page Metadata
Login Required to view?	No
Created:	2025-07-13 13:42 GMT
Updated:	2025-08-05 07:00 GMT
Published:	2025-07-15 13:22 GMT
Converted:	2025-11-11 12:06 GMT
Change Author:	LeRoy Cossette
Credit Author: