Perhaps the most noteworthy achievement of Congress during Taft’s final two years was the framing of a constitutional amendment providing for the direct popular election of United States senators. Previously, state legislatures had usually made that selection. Proposed constitutional amendments are not subject to presidential veto, so the process bypassed Taft altogether. The amendment was ratified in April 1913.
LOTS OF QUESTIONS AHEAD
Two other historic midterm setbacks for the party in power support a forecast for more combative politics during the next two years. They suggest that a Democratic- controlled House of Representatives can undertake investigations of the Republican administration that could bring a presidency to a halt.
And the History of Governing by a House Divided
By Brooks D. Simpson
American Consequences 67
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online