How did the 17th amendment change the way senators are elected

17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Direct Election of U.S. Senators. Americans did not directly vote for senators for the first 125 years of the Federal Government. The Constitution, as it was adopted in 1788, stated that senators would be elected by state legislatures.

Before the 17th amendment they were not directly voted for. After it was past they became directly voted for. If that makes sense.