Category: Amendments
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Tenth Amendment Protections
Historical Context and Ratification The Founding Fathers, influenced by their reverence for personal liberty and concern over federal overreach, carefully constructed the Constitution to balance power between central government and individual states. The Tenth Amendment became a crucial safeguard in this system. The Amendment's text states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by…
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15th Amendment’s Voting Impact
The Fifteenth Amendment represents a significant milestone in the United States’ journey toward racial equality in voting. After the Civil War, the nation grappled with redefining its principles of freedom and justice. This amendment sought to address one of the most pressing issues of the time: ensuring that Black Americans had the right to vote.…
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26th Amendment: Voting Age Impact
The 26th Amendment exemplifies the adaptable nature of American democracy. From the need for young soldiers to have a say during wartime to ongoing discussions about further lowering the voting age, this amendment highlights the significance of youth involvement in shaping the nation's future. Historical Context and Passage of the 26th Amendment The campaign for…
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14th Amendment’s Civil Rights Impact
Historical Context and Ratification The post-Civil War era saw significant changes in American society. After Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865, President Andrew Johnson faced the challenge of Reconstruction. Johnson, a former Democrat and slaveholder, clashed with the Republican-controlled Congress over how to reintegrate the Confederate states and establish rights for freed slaves. The Civil Rights…
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Key Constitutional Amendments and Effects
1. First Amendment: Freedom of Expression The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It prohibits Congress from promoting one religion over others and restricting an individual's religious practices. It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or individuals' rights to speak freely. Free expression…
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New Amendments Proposed by Kids
1. Equal School Resources Schools in wealthy areas often have more funding, better facilities, and a wider array of extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, schools in less affluent areas struggle to provide basic educational resources. This imbalance can lead to unequal opportunities for students, affecting their academic outcomes and future prospects. An amendment should address this issue…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 9 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 9 Amendment 9 – Construction of Constitution <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Notes for this amendment: Proposed 9/25/1789 Ratified 12/15/1791 <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> |Home|…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 8 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 8 Amendment 8 – Cruel and Unusual Punishment <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Notes for this amendment: Proposed 9/25/1789 Ratified 12/15/1791 <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> |Home| |Constitution| |FAQ| |Topics| |Forums|…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 7 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 7 Amendment 7 – Trial by Jury in Civil Cases <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 6 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 6 Amendment 6 – Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 5 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 5 Amendment 5 – Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces,…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 4 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 4 Amendment 4 – Search and Seizure <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 3 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 3 Amendment 3 – Quartering of Soldiers <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Notes for this amendment: Proposed…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 27 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 27 Amendment 27 – Limiting Changes to Congressional Pay <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened. Notes for this amendment: Proposed 9/25/1789 Ratified 5/7/1992 History Article 1,…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 26 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 26 Amendment 26 – Voting Age Set to 18 Years <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 25 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 25 Amendment 25 – Presidential Disability and Succession <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President. 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President,…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 24 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 24 Amendment 24 – Poll Tax Barred <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 23 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 23 Amendment 23 – Presidential Vote for District of Columbia <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct: A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 22 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 22 Amendment 22 – Presidential Term Limits <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 21 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 21 Amendment 21 – 18th Amendment Repealed <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed. 2. The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 20 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 20 Amendment 20 – Presidential, Congressional Terms <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 2 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 2 Amendment 2 – Right to Bear Arms <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Notes for this amendment: Proposed 9/25/1789 Ratified 12/15/1791 Note…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 19 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 19 Amendment 19 – Women’s Suffrage <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 18 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 18 Amendment 18 – Liquor Abolished <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 17 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 17 Amendment 17 – Senators Elected by Popular Vote <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 16 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 16 Amendment 16 – Status of Income Tax Clarified <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. Notes for this amendment: Proposed…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 15 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 15 Amendment 15 – Race No Bar to Vote <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 14 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 14 Amendment 14 – Citizenship Rights <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 13 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 13 Amendment 13 – Slavery Abolished <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. 2. Congress shall have power…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 12 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 12 Amendment 12 – Choosing the President, Vice-President <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 11 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 11 Amendment 11 – Judicial Limits <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 10 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 10 Amendment 10 – Powers of the States and People <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Notes for this amendment: Proposed 9/25/1789…
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U.S. Constitution – Amendment 1 – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
U.S. Constitution – Amendment 1 Amendment 1 – Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression <<Back | Table of Contents | Next>> Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,…
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First Twelve Articles of Amendment – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
First Twelve Articles of Amendment Advertisement On June 8, 1789, James Madison rose in the House of Representatives and read his thoughts about amendments to the Constitution. Based on the recommendations of several ratifying conventions and the fears expressed by the Anti-Federalists, his suggestions would insert many rights of the people into the Constitution. Not…
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Ratification of Constitutional Amendments – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
Ratification of Constitutional Amendments Article 5 of the Constitution provides for the amendment of the Constitution by various means (see The Amendments Page for details). However an amendment is proposed, it does not become part of the Constitution unless it is ratified by three-quarters of the states (either the legislatures thereof, or in amendment conventions).…
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Some Proposed Amendments – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
Some Proposed Amendments The Constitution is a living and evolving document. One of the ways that the Constitution is changed is through the amendment process. It can be an arduous process, requiring agreement by many different segments of society and the government, and it does not always work out. But it is the only way…
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Notes on the Amendments – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
Notes on the Amendments Advertisement Each Amendment to the Constitution came about for a reason — to overrule a Supreme Court decision, to force a societal change, or to revise the details of the Constitution. This page will give an overview of how each Amendment came to be. The process for adopting an amendment is…
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The Failed Amendments – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
The Failed Amendments Advertisement Throughout the history of the Constitution, 27 changes have been made through the Amendment process. Amendments are not easy to pass, and several amendments have been proposed over time, but which failed to pass the second hurdle – acceptance by the states. This page lists the amendments to the Constitution which…
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Constitutional Amendments – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net
Constitutional Amendments Amending the United States Constitution is no small task. This page will detail the amendment procedure as spelled out in the Constitution, and will also list some of the Amendments that have not been passed, as well as give a list of some amendments proposed in Congress during several of the past sessions.…