What was one result of the Progressive Movement's focus on political reform?

The Progressive Movement greatly influenced political reform in the United States, and one significant outcome was the direct election of U.S. senators. Before the 17th Amendment was ratified in 1913, state legislatures were responsible for electing senators, which often led to corruption and manipulation by powerful interests. The Progressive Movement sought to make government more democratic and accountable to the people, advocating for reforms that would reduce the influence of political machines and improve citizen participation in governance.

The direct election of senators reflects this focus on enhancing democratic practices, ensuring that senators would be directly accountable to the voters rather than being selected by state legislators. This shift empowered citizens in the electoral process and was a key part of the broader political reforms championed by Progressives, which aimed to make the government more responsive to the needs and desires of the populace.