Constitutional Amendments 11-27

The Amendment Process A bill must pass both houses of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the bill to be approved as an amendment.

Amendment 11 (1795) Immunity of states from suits from out-of-state citizens and foreigners not living within the state borders. Lays the foundation for sovereign immunity.

Amendment 12 (1804) Revises the Presidential election process

Amendment 13 (1865) Ended Slavery in the United States People cannot be forced to work against their will unless they have been tried for and convicted of a crime for which this means of punishment is ordered.

Amendment 14 (1868) All citizens must be protected equally by law. All persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the United States and of the state in which they live. Guarantees due process of law According to due process of law, no state may take away the rights of a citizen.

Amendment 15 (1870) The right of citizens to vote cannot be based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This guarantees all people, regardless of their race or color of their skin, the right to vote.

Amendment 16 ( 1913) Allowed the federal government to tax people’s incomes. Congress has the power to collect taxes on its citizens, based on their personal incomes rather than on the number of people living in a state.

Amendment 17 (1913) Allows senators to be directly elected by the people.

Amendment 18 (1919) Prohibition of Alcohol (Alcohol was illegal to distribute, sell, and consume)

Amendment 19 (1920) Granted women the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony led the fight for women’s rights.

Amendment 20 (1933) Fixes the dates of term commencements for Congress (January 3) and the President (January 20) Known as the "lame duck amendment"

Amendment 21 (1933) Repeal of the prohibition of alcohol Roosevelt repealed this amendment in an attempt to boost the failing economy during the Great Depression

Amendment 22 (1951) Limits the president of the United States to two terms or a maximum of 10 years.

Amendment 23 (1961) Provides for representation of the District of Columbia in the electoral college

Amendment 24 (1964) Prohibits the revocation of voting rights due to the non-payment of poll taxes.

Amendment 25 (1967) Establishes the order of Presidential Succession. Vice President, Speaker of the House, etc…

Amendment 26 (1971) Sets the national voting age at 18.

Amendment 27 (1992) Prevents laws affecting Congressional salary from taking effect until the beginning of the next session of Congress.

Which amendment ended slavery?

Which amendment sets the voting age at 18?

Which amendment guarantees all people regardless of their race the right to vote?

Which amendment allowed the government to tax people’s income?

Which amendment prohibited the distribution, sale, and consumption of alcohol?

Name the amendment that protects the rights of all citizens.

Which amendment gave the District of Columbia representation in the electoral college?

What amendment granted women the right to vote?