Twenty-seventh Amendment

Congressional pay raises

No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.

What does this mean??

This means that congress can't give themselves a raise, rather they must be reelected.

Why this video??

This video is perfect! It explains the 27th amendment to the T. Congress has to be reelected to receive an approved raise.

Twenty-sixth Amendment

18-year-old suffrage

Section 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 account of age.

Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

What does this mean??

The 26th amendment changed the voting age from 21 years old to 18 years old. At the time this was happening we were at war with Vietnam. People were outraged that our 18 year olds were fighting in the war but could not even vote.

Why this picture?

This is a 1969 New Jersey campaign poster supporting the 26th amendment to lower the voting age to 18 from 21.

Twenty-fifth Amendment

Presidential succession

Section 1. In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

Section 3. Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

What does this mean??

The 25 amendment deals with the plan of succession for the presidents position. It states that if the President becomes incapacitated then the Vice President will run the show until the President is good to go. If the President dies than the Vice President moves up to President and the House of Speaker becomes the Vice President.

Why this picture??

I decided to put this picture up because it shows the plan of succession in action. This is picture shows Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in on the plane next to Jackie Kennedy two hours after the assassination of President JFK.

Twenty-fourth Amendment

Abolition of poll taxes

Section 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 not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.

Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

What does this mean??

The 24th Amendment said there should be no poll taxes or any other taxes that could stop someone from being able to vote.

Why this video?

This is a great video and talks all about the poll taxes and what a few examples were that the used. Having to read, saying you could only vote if your father and grandfathers were able to vote, just no name a few. This has a ton of great information about the 24th amendment.

Twenty-third Amendment

Washington, D.C., suffrage

Section 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 whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a state, but in no event more than the least populous State; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the States, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.

Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

What does this mean??

The 23rd amendment gave Washington DC electors. Due to the fact that Washington DC is not a state they don't have any representatives in the house, even though DC has a higher population than 12 other states.

Why this picture?

This is a picture of the White House and I thought it was fitting since the 23rd amendment deals with Washington DC.

Twenty-second Amendment

Term Limits for the Presidency

Section 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 to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.

Section 2. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission to the States by the Congress.

What does this mean?

The 22nd amendment provided term limits for the president. The president can not be elected twice. Jefferson had feared that the presidency would become a lifelong term.

Why this picture?

I decided to put a picture of the former President FDR because he served three terms and was serving his fourth when he passed away. The way he was able to do this is because he was not elected for all of those terms, he in a way found a loop hole in the 22nd amendment.

Twenty-first Amendment

Repeal of Prohibition

Section 1. The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.

Section 2. The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.

Section 3. The article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

What does this mean?

The 21st amendment repealed the 18th and made alcohol legal again.

Why this picture?

The picture pretty much speaks for its self- the openly drinking is back! As you can tell from this photo a lot of people were happy to hear this news.



Twentieth Amendment

Terms of office

Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Section 2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

Section 3. If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.

Section 4. The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.

Section 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of October following the ratification of this article.

Section 6. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission.

What does this mean?

The 20th amendment changed the legislative start date from March 4th to January 3rd. This was in case the election had to go to the House it would still be in session.

Why this picture?
Because Franklin D. Rossevelt was the first president to be sworn in after the 20th amendment on the new date of  January 3rd.  

Nineteenth Amendment

Women's suffrage

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any States on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

What does this mean??

Women can finally vote!!

Why this picture?

This was before the 19th amendment was passed and it shows women protesting their unfair treatment and asking for  equal rights especially when it comes to voting. This was just one of many pictures that are of women fighting for their rights.

Eighteenth Amendment

Prohibition of liquor

Section 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 thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.

Section 2. The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

What does this mean?

Most simply put this mean that the consumption and selling of alcohol was prohibited by all. The main people who were leading the prohibition movement were led by the Womens Christian Temperance Union. Many believe that prohibition was whet started organized crime.  

Why this video?

This video shows some awesome footage from prohibition and while doing so it explains the 18th amendment. I thought this videos was crazy! They were dumping gout so much alcohol!

Seventeenth Amendment

Senatorial elections

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 shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

What does this mean??

This mean that the citizens get to vote for senators and that they may only serve a six year term.

Why this picture?

This picture is showing how often senators could possibly serve if their terms were not limited by the 17th amendment.

Sixteenth Amendment

Income taxes

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.

What does this mean??

Thsi amendment is pretty straight foward, just saying that the goverenment has the right to tax thier citizens.

Why this picture?

The IRS "arm" of course is representing the IRS but also Uncle Sam and the little guy represents the American citizens. He is being dangled upside down and is being shaken for everything he is worth. many may feel that this is exactly what the government is doing to them. Taking all the money they can get away with.

Fifteenth Amendment

Black suffrage

Section 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.

Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

What does this mean?

The fifteenth amendment is th eamendment that gave all citizens the right to vote no matter race or color.

Why this picture?

Though it is a cartoon image it correclty depicts teh 15th amendment, which is allowing all citizens to vote no matter black or white.

Fourteenth Amendment

Civil rights

Section 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 shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.

Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

Section 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

What does this mean??

This also is a very long amendment but when it is broken down into sections its not as scary as it sounds. The first part is the citizens' clause, this overturned the Dred Scott v. Sandford case that said blacks could not be citizens. The second part is the due process clause. This clause says that states cant deny anyone of their right of life, liberty or property without taking certain steps to ensure fairness. the third clause it the equal protection clause. This gives everyone equal right no matter race.  

 

Why this picture??

This picture shows white hands handing over the "civil right"  to the black hands. This is a good picture of the 14th amendment becasue everyone is receiving the civil rights they deserve.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolition of slavery

Section 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.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce these article by appropriate legislation.

What does this mean?

This amendment means that there is no more slavery!

Why this picture??

I decided to show this picture of  a slave to show just a snap shot of how horribly slaves were treated. And just all over how horrible slavery was and how important the thirteenth amendment was.

Twelfth Amendment

Presidential elections

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 their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate;--The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted;--The person having the greatest number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. [And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President.]^* The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.

What does this mean??

This is a very long one, but what it is talking about is the electoral process. It says if there in no clear electoral majority of 270 then the house gets to pick the president.

Why this picture?

This picture shows the democrats and republicans going head to head. And when they are even or tied the house decides who wins the election.

Eleventh Amendment

Lawsuits against states

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 Subjects of any Foreign State.

What does this mean??

This helps protect each individual state from being sued in a federal court by someone of another state or country. Reversed Chisholm v. Georgia. 

Why this video??

Even though this is an extremely boring movie this man does explain the eleventh amendment pretty well.

Tenth Amendment

States' rights

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.

What does this mean??

The tenth amendment gives certain rights and powers to the state.

Why this picture??

This fits to me represents power. In this case, the tenth amendment, is giving more power to the state.

Ninth Amendment

Rights retained by the People

The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

What does this mean??

It mean that people are in tilted to certain rights and can not be denied them by others.

Why this video??

Even though this is a silly little movie it does explain what exactly the ninth amendment really means. It also talks about how many people don't even know their rights.

Eighth Amendment

Bail, fines, punishment

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

What doe this mean??

Punishment and bail should be equal to the severity of the crime.

Why this picture??

I think the creative punishment is a neat up and coming thing. Apparently this man was caught stealing from walmart so instead of years in prison, he had to stand on the corner and announced to everyone what he did. His punishment is as severe as his crime.

Seventh Amendment

Rights in civil cases

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 in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

What does this mean??

The seventh amendment guarantees trials in cases that could deprive life, liberty and property.

Why this picture?

This picture is joking about how people hate having to do jury duty even though we need juries.

Sixth Amendment

Right to a fair trial

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 district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence.

What does this mean??

The sixth has eight parts to the amendment. 1. A right to a speedy trial 2. all trials must be public with the defendant aware of their charges 3. the witness for the prosecution be in pubic 4. Defendant can produce a witness 5. the defendant has the right  to secure counsel (if someone doesn't have money they will be provided with a public defendant) 6. The jury must consists of peers 7. The jury is to be unbiased 8. Speedy trails must take place within reasonable amount of time after indightment

Why this picture?

Since the sixth amendment states that everyone is in tilted to an attorney of law this cartoon is saying that you don't have to be your own attorney. Even if you don't have the money the state will provide you with counsel.



Fifth Amendment

Rights in criminal cases

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, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

What does this mean??

The fifth amendment protects people from possible government abuse. This is also what in forces our "innocent till proven guilty" policy. This amendment also give people the right to not say anything that may self incriminate themselves.

Why this picture?

This picture shows someone on trial who is "pleading the fifth" so they don't have to get on the stand and say something that may hurt their case.  

Fourth Amendment

Search and arrest

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 affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

What does this mean??

This amendment is saying that no person, home, car or possession shall be searched without a reasonable suspicion. And with that suspicion they must get a warrant.

Why this picture?

This picture is mocking the fourth amendment by saying that "yeah, whatever, we don't really need a warrant...".  When in reality, thanks to the fourth amendment, you cannot be searched without first reasonable suspicion and secondly a warrant. 

Third Amendment

Quartering of soldiers

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.

What does this mean??

This is saying that no one can be forced to house a soldier in their home.

Why this picture?

Though this picture is hookie it does accurately depict the third amendment. That you can say, "No" to housing soldiers.

Second Amendment

Right to bear arms

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.

What does this mean??

This amendment gives citizens the right be carry a weapon

Why this video?
This silly Simpsons clip is showing the possible down side of allowing people to carry a gun. Homer is trying to but a gun and after the cashier tells him he must wait till he has passed a background check Homer says, "but I'm mad now!" I guess this could be saying that it is a good thing there is a wait period, but whats going to happen next time he, or someone else, is mad?

First Amendment

Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly

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, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

What does this mean??

The first amendment is what gives us our freedom to practice what ever religion we choose as well as freedom to say what we wish. It also gives us the freedom to print whatever in our media.

What does this coexist picture mean?

This picture captures the meaning of first amendment. Each letter represents a different religion or belief and that we should all live together peacefully. If it weren't fro the first amendment we would not be able to choose what we believe, but luckily we can.   

"We The People..."

The Preamble

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide fro the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution fro the United States of America.

What does that mean??

The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. I think it is there to list the reasons that the beginning colonies came together to form one union. Those reasons are as follows: ensure freedom for the current time as well as future generations, create a better justice system, ensure peace, make a single national defense forces instead of many small groups and last but not least to work for the common good of everyone in the United States.

What was that video??

I felt he same as Barney Fife in this clip. In Junior High I had to learn as well as recite the Preamble to the class and I thought it would always be stuck in my head, I was wrong. I would start out real strong until I got to “…provide fro the common defense...” And at that point I started the stumbling and guessing. I suppose after seven years I have lost half of the preamble in my head.