What happend before the 16th and 17th amendment was passed?

16th Amendment:

The 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution establishes that Congress shall have power to collect taxes on income, without apportionment among the states and without regard to any census or enumeration.

Before the 16th amendment was passed, The United States had to rely on tariffs in order to raise revenue. This reliance would have made it impossible for the country to implement a free trade system. As it was ratified in February 3rd, 1913, it also made it much easier to fund WWI.

17th Amendment:

The 17th Amendment of the United States Constitution established that the Senate shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected for six years by the people of that state. Each senator shall have one vote, and the electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.

The amendment was an object of discussion since the early 19th century, however, it was not adopted until the 20th century, when it became obvious that the question of Senate elections had become problematic. The 17th Amendment ensured that the balance of power established by the constitution was protected. It also balanced states government's rights.