The Amendments of The Constitution

Table of Content for The Amendments of the US Constitution

Table of Content for The Amendments of the US Constitution

1. The Amendments of The Constitution in simple terms.
   a. Expansion of Social Rights
   b. Security of Individual Privileges
   c. Adaptation to Changing Times
   d. Clarification of Administrative Powers
   e. Revision of Past Injustices
   
2. List of The Amendments of The US Constitution.
   
   a. First Amendment (1791)
   b. Second Amendment (1791)
   c. Third Amendment (1791)
   d. Fourth Amendment (1791)
   e. Fifth Amendment (1791)
   f. Sixth Amendment (1791)
   g. Seventh Amendment (1791)
   h. Eighth Amendment (1791)
   i. Ninth Amendment (1791)
   j. Tenth Amendment (1791)
   k. Eleventh Amendment (1795)
   l. Twelfth Amendment (1804)
   m. Thirteenth Amendment (1865)
   n. Fourteenth Amendment (1868)
   o. Fifteenth Amendment (1870)
   p. Sixteenth Amendment (1913)
   q. Seventeenth Amendment (1913)
   r. Eighteenth Amendment (1919)
   s. Nineteenth Amendment (1920)
   t. Twentieth Amendment (1933)
   u. Twenty-First Amendment (1933)
   v. Twenty-Second Amendment (1951)
   w. Twenty-Third Amendment (1961)
   x. Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1964)
   y. Twenty-Fifth Amendment (1967)
   z. Twenty-Sixth Amendment (1971)
   aa. Twenty-Seventh Amendment (1992)

1. The Amendments of The Constitution in simple terms.
   The Amendments of the United States Constitution serve as important tools for ensuring that the fundamental rights and principles enshrined in the Constitution are relevant and protected and for the development of society. Few reasons why amendments are needed :

Expansion of Social Rights : Over time, the United States has sought to extend social equality and freedom to marginalized and disadvantaged groups. For example, the Thirteenth Amendment (abolishing slavery), the Fourteenth Amendment (providing equal protection under the law), played an important role in the advancement of social rights and increased equality.

Security of Individual Privileges: Many amendments, such as the Bill of Rights (First Ten Amendments), protect individual rights from government domination, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as protection against unreasonable search and seizure and cruel and unusual punishment. The amendments act as a deterrent against possible restriction of these rights by the government

Adaptation to Changing Times: The Constitution was written more than 200 years ago and social norms, values and difficulties have developed over time. Amendments allow the Constitution to adjust to these changes, guaranteeing that it remains a living record fit for managing contemporary issues.

Clarification of Administrative Powers: Amendments can clarify or adjust the powers and obligations of government foundations, including the leader, legislative, and legal branches. For instance, the Twentieth Amendment set the terms of the President and Congress, while the Twenty-Second Amendment laid out service time limits the President.

Revision of Past Injustices: In some cases, revisions are expected to address past injustices or weaknesses in the actual Constitution. For example, the Fourteenth Amendment tended to the lawful status of previously enslaved individuals and sought to provide them with equivalent privileges and protections.

Through Supreme Court rulings interpreting the Constitution and its amendments helps to define the scope and limits of individual rights, government power, and the rule of law in the United States.

2. List of The Amendments of The US Constitution.
   a. First Amendment (1791) :

“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.”

Explanation :

• Congress cannot create any law that establishes an official religion or interfer with the people’s right to freely practice their own religion.
• Congress cannot pass laws that restrict freedom of speech or of the press.
• People have the right to peacefully assemble and petition the government to solve their problems.

b. Second Amendment (1791)

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.

Explanation:

• People have the right to own and carry weapons, and this right should not be violated, because having a well-regulated militia is important for the security of a free state

c. Third Amendment (1791)

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.

Explanation:

• During peacetime, without the owner’s permission no soldier can be housed in someone’s home.
• During wartime, if it’s necessary soldiers can be housed in civilian homes and it must be done according to laws passed by the government.

d. Fourth Amendment (1791)

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.”

Explanation:

• People have the right to feel secure in their persons, houses, belongings, and personal documents. That means the authorities cannot search or take these things without a good reason, This is called “probable cause”. And they must get a Permit from a judge, known as a warrant, that specifies exactly what and where they are searching.

e. Fifth Amendment (1791)

“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.”

Explanation:

• No person can’t be tried for a serious crime without a conventional allegation by a grand jury, except in specific situations like military service during wartime.
• No person can’t be tried twice for the same crime (double jeopardy).
• No person can’t be compelled to testify against thyself in a criminal case (self-incrimination).
• No person can’t be deprived of life, opportunity, or property without a fair legitimate process (due process).
• The government must compensate a person fairly (just compensation), If they takes his property for public use.

f. Sixth Amendment (1791)

“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.”

Explanation:

• The right to a trial that is fast and open to the general population.
• The right to be judged by an unbiased jury from the state and region where the crime happened.
• The right to know what you’re blamed for and why.
• The right to confront and question the witnesses against you.
• The right to propel witnesses to testify in your favor.
• The right to have a legal counselor assist you with your defense.

g. Seventh Amendment (1791)

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

Explanation:

• This passage essentially ensures the right to a jury trial in civil cases where the contested amount surpasses $20. Once a jury has decided a fact in a civil case, it cannot be revisited by any federal court except according to common law principles.

h. Eighth Amendment (1791)

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

Explanation:

• The amount of bail cannot be unreasonably high.
• The penalty cannot be unreasonably large.
• Punishment cannot be cruel or unusual.

i. Ninth Amendment (1791)

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

Explanation:

• This passage means that the Constitution does not cover every human right and that those rights not specifically mentioned should still be respected and protected.

j. Tenth Amendment (1791)

“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.”

Explanation:

• This sentence basically states that any powers not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution, and not prohibited to the states, have a place with the states or individuals themselves. It supports the rule of federalism, guaranteeing that states hold authority over issues not explicitly allowed to the national government.

k. Eleventh Amendment (Passed by Congress March 4, 1794. Ratified February 7, 1795)

(Note: A portion of Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution was modified by the 11th Amendment.)

“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.”

Explanation :

• This passage limits the jurisdiction of federal courts. It states that federal courts cannot hear cases brought against a state by citizens of another state or citizens or subjects of a foreign state. Basically, it keeps people from suing a state in federal court.

l. Twelfth Amendment (Passed by Congress December 9, 1803. Ratified June 15, 1804)

(Note: A portion of Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution was changed by the 12th Amendment.)

“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 sealedm 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 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. *Superseded by Section 3 of the 20th Amendment.”

Explanation:

• Electors from each state meet and vote for President and VP using secret voting ballots.
• They have to choose at least one candidate who is not from their own state.
• They list all the people voted for president and vice president, along with the number of votes each person received.
• These lists are signed, certified and sent to US government headquarters.
• The President of the Senate opens these certificates before the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• Then the votes are counted.
• The person with the most votes for president becomes president, unless they have a majority of all the electors.
• If no one gets a majority, the House of Representatives elects the president from among the top three candidates.
• The House votes by state, with each state having one vote.
• A majority of states is required to elect the President.
• If the House cannot decide by March 4 of the following year, the Vice President will act as President.
• The vice president is elected in the same way, with the Senate choosing from the top two candidates if no one gets a majority.
• He who cannot be President cannot be Vice President.

m. Thirteenth Amendment (Passed by Congress January 31, 1865. Ratified December 6, 1865.)

(Note: A portion of Article IV, Section 2 of the Constitution was changed by the 13th Amendment.)

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section means that slavery and forced labor are prohibited in the United States, except as punishment for a person convicted of the crime. So, basically, the amendment abolished slavery and made it illegal to force anyone into slavery unless they were convicted of a crime.

SECTION 2

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

Explanation:
This Section means that Congress has the power to make laws that ensure that the provisions of the Thirteenth Amendment are followed. So, if there is a violation of the Amendment, Congress can pass laws to address and enforce it.

n. Fourteenth Amendment (Passed by Congress June 13, 1866. Ratified July 9, 1868.)

(Note: Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution was modified bySection 2 of the 14th Amendment.)

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section states that anyone born in or under the authority of the United States is a citizen of both the United States and the state in which they reside. It likewise disallows states from making or upholding regulations that limit the freedoms or freedoms of the US. Civil, depriving someone of life, liberty, or property without due process of law or denying them equal protection under the laws of their jurisdiction. Simply put, it guarantees citizenship rights and equal protection under the law to all individuals within the United States.

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section states that representatives in Congress should be apportioned among the states based on their population, counting every person except Native Americans who are not taxed. However, if any male citizen and citizen of the United States of America at least twenty-one years of age were to be disenfranchised except for participating in rebellion or committing a crime, that state’s base of representation would be proportionately reduced. Based on the number of such male citizens over the total number of male citizens above the age of twenty one in that state. Basically, if a state restricts suffrage, its representation in Congress can be reduced accordingly.

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section states that no person who has not previously taken an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, as a member of Congress, an officer of the United States, a member of a state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of a state, shall hold any office, civil or military, under the United States or any state. , would be eligible if they engaged in rebellion or insurrection against the United States, or gave aid or comfort to its enemies.

However, each house of Congress has the power to remove this disability by a two-thirds vote. Simply put, this section bars individuals who have supported rebellion or insurrection against the United States from holding public office, but Congress has the power to pardon them by a supermajority vote.

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section that the United States government is responsible for paying its debts, including debts incurred to pay military pensions and rewards for service in rebellion or suppression of rebellion. However, neither the United States nor any State shall be bound to pay any debt or obligation incurred in support of rebellion or insurrection against the United States, or any claim for compensation relating to the loss or emancipation of slaves. Such debts, obligations and claims are considered illegal and invalid.

SECTION 5

“The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. *Changed by Section 1 of the 26th Amendment.”

Explanation:

• This Section gives Congress the power to enact laws implementing the provisions of the Fifteenth Amendment. The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous conditions of servitude.

o. Fifteenth Amendment (Passed by Congress February 26, 1869. Ratified February 3, 1870)

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section states that the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or limited by the United States government or any state on the ground of race, color, or former position as a slave. This amendment, ratified in 1870, aimed to protect the voting rights of African American men, who had previously been disenfranchised in many states due to discriminatory laws and practices.

SECTION 2

“The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation”

Explanation:

• This phrase means that Congress is empowered to pass laws that implement the provisions of the Fifteenth Amendment. This amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited the denial or limitation of voting rights based on race, color, or previous conditions of servitude. Thus, Congress can make laws so that all citizens can exercise their right to vote without discrimination.

p. Sixteenth Amendment (Passed by Congress July 2, 1909. Ratified February 3, 1913)

(Note: Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution was modified by the 16 h Amendment.)

“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.”

Explanation:

• This phrase gives Congress the power to levy and collect taxes on income, regardless of where that income comes from, without needing to apportion the tax burden among the states based on their population or any census data. Before this amendment was ratified in 1913, the Supreme Court ruled that income taxes were unconstitutional unless they were apportioned among the states according to their population. The Sixteenth Amendment effectively removed this restriction, allowing Congress to impose income taxes directly on the earnings of individuals.

q. Seventeenth Amendment (Passed by Congress May 13, 1912. Ratified April 8, 1913)

(Note: Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution was modified by the 17th Amendment.)

“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 legislatures.

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.”

Explanation:

• This passage outlines the structure and process for the composition of the United States Senate
• The Senate would consist of two senators from each state, elected by the people of that state for six-year terms. Each senator has one vote.
• The qualifications of each state’s electors for election to the Senate are the same as those required for the most numerous branches of the state legislature.
• When a vacancy occurs in the Senate representation of a state, the executive authority of that state shall issue a writ (official order) for an election to fill the vacancy. However, the state legislature can authorize the state executive to make temporary appointments until the people choose a replacement through a special election.
• The amendment does not affect the election or term of any senator elected before it became part of the Constitution.

r. Eighteenth Amendment (Passed by Congress December 18, 1917. Ratified January 16, 1919. Repealed by the 21 Amendment, December 5, 1933.)

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section is commonly known as prohibition. In simple terms, it prohibits the manufacture, sale, transportation, import, and export of alcoholic beverages for drinking purposes within the United States and all territories subject to its jurisdiction. This amendment was ratified in 1919 and later repealed by the 20th Amendment in 1933.

SECTION 2

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

Explanation:

• This Section means that both the US Congress and individual state governments have the power to pass laws to carry out the provisions of the Eighteenth Amendment. This concurrent power allows both federal and state governments to enact laws aimed at prohibiting the manufacture, sale, transportation, import and export of alcoholic beverages for drinking purposes.

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section repealed Prohibition (Eighteenth Amendment). In simple terms, it states that the 21st Amendment, which restored the legal sale and consumption of alcohol, will be valid only if it is ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of several states within seven years from the date. His submission by Congress. This provision ensures that the amendment will come into force only if it receives sufficient approval from the states within a specified period.

s. Nineteenth Amendment (Passed by Congress June 4, 1919. Ratified August 18, 1920.)

“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 legislation.”

Explanation:

• The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex.” This means that neither the federal government nor any state may deny or limit the right to vote. Before the amendment was ratified, many women were prevented from voting because they were women.

• Congress shall have power to enforce this Article by appropriate legislation.” This means that Congress is authorized to pass laws carrying out the provisions of the Nineteenth Amendment. If there is any violation or attempt to deny women the right to vote based on their sex, this amendment can be dealt with and enforced. Congress has the power to make laws for.

“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.”

t. Twentieth Amendment (Passed by Congress March 2, 1932. Ratified January 23, 1933.)

(Note: Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution was modified by Section 2 of this Amendment. In addition, a portion of the 12th Amendment was superseded by Section 3.)

SECTION 1

“The terms of the President and the 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 in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.”

Explanation:

This passage sets the dates for the end of the terms of the President, Vice President, Senators, and Representatives, as well as when the terms of their successors begin.

• The terms of the President and Vice President expire at noon on January 20.
• The terms of senators and representatives expire at noon on January 3rd.
• These dates apply to years in which they would have expired had the Twentieth Amendment not been ratified.
• The terms of their successors commence immediately after this date.

The aim of the amendment was to shorten the time between the election of public officials and their taking office, reducing the period known as the “lame duck” period, during which outgoing officials can still retain significant power.

SECTION 2

Explanation:

• This passage states that Congress must meet at least once each year, and that meeting should begin at noon on January 3, unless a different day is fixed by law.

So, unless Congress decides on another date through legislation, they must convene for their annual session at noon on January 3rd. This provision ensures that Congress has a regular schedule for its work, allowing it to carry out its legislative duties and responsibilities.

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 aVice President 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 untila President or Vice President shall have qualified.”

Explanation:

This passage describes the procedures for presidential succession in case of various scenarios:

• If the president-elect dies before their term begins, the vice-president-elect assumes the role of president.
• If a President has not been elected by the time the term begins, or the President-elect fails to qualify for the office, the Vice-President-elect shall serve as Acting President until a President is qualified.
  
• Congress has the power to pass laws to address situations where neither the president-elect nor the vice-president-elect is eligible for office. These laws may specify who shall serve as President or how someone is elected to serve as President and shall serve until a President or Vice President is eligible.

This amendment ensures that there are clear procedures for continuity of government in the event of unforeseen events or delays in the process of transfer of power and presidential succession.

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section states that Congress has the power to pass laws in situations where individuals considered for the presidency or vice presidency (by the House of Representatives or the Senate, respectively) die before a decision is made.

Specifically

• Congress may pass laws to provide for the death of any person from whom the House of Representatives is electing the President, if the responsibility for electing the President falls upon them.
  
• Congress may pass laws to provide for the death of any person from whom the Senate is electing a vice president, if the responsibility for electing a vice president falls upon them.

These laws will provide procedures on how to proceed in such situations, ensuring that there is a clear process for succession to the offices of President and Vice President even if the candidates die during the election process.

SECTION 5

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

Explanation:

• This Section means that Sections 1 and 2 of the amendment will come into effect on October 15th following the date when the amendment is ratified.

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section provides that no proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be valid unless ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the States within seven years from the date of its submission.

This provision ensures that proposed amendments receive sufficient approval from the states within a specified period to become part of the Constitution. If an amendment fails to be ratified by the required number of states within seven years, it does not become part of the Constitution.

u. Twenty-First Amendment (Passed by Congress February 20, 1933. Ratified December 5, 1933.)

SECTION 1

“The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.”

Explanation:

• This Section means that the Eighteenth Amendment, which established prohibition, was repealed.

The Eighteenth Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. However, the Twenty-first Amendment repealed this prohibition, effectively allowing alcohol to be legally produced, sold, and transported. The repeal was a significant change to the constitution, reversing a policy that had been in place since the 1920s.

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.”

Explanation:

• This Section means the transportation or importation of alcoholic beverages into the possession of any state, territory or United States in violation of the laws of that place for delivery or consumption therein.

Although the Twenty-first Amendment repealed Prohibition, allowing states to regulate alcohol within their borders, it also gave them the power to prohibit the transportation or importation of alcoholic beverages that violated their own laws. This provision allows states to retain control over alcohol control within their borders and enforce their own alcohol laws.

SECTION 3

“This 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.”

Explanation:

• This section meansthat the provisions of the 20th Amendment, which repealed prohibition, would only take effect if ratified by conventions in several states within seven years from the date of its submission by Congress.

The amendment specifies that ratification must occur by convention in each state rather than by state legislatures, as is usually the case. This provision ensured that the decision to lift the ban was taken through a process that directly involved the people of each state. If the amendment was not ratified by a convention of three-fourths of the states within the specified period, it would not become part of the Constitution.

v. Twenty-Second Amendment (Passed by Congress March 21, 1947. Ratified February 27, 1951.)

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 President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by 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.”

Explanation:

This section sets the term limits for the office of the President of the United States

No person can be elected to the office of President more than twice.
A person who has served as President or served as President for more than two years of a term in which another person was elected President may not be elected to the office of President more than once.

However, if a person holds the office of President at the time this amendment is proposed by Congress, they are not affected by these term limits.

Additionally, this amendment does not prevent a person who is holding the office of President or serving as President during the term for which this amendment takes effect from holding the office of President or serving as President for the remainder of the term.

In summary, the Twenty-second Amendment ensures that no person can serve more than two elected terms as President, with certain exceptions outlined in the amendment.

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.”

Explanation:

• This Sectionmeans that the provisions of the Twenty-second Amendment, which set presidential term limits, will be effective only if ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures within seven years from the date of its submission. by Congress.

This provision ensures that proposed amendments receive sufficient approval from the states within a specified period to become part of the Constitution. If an amendment fails to be ratified by the required number of states within seven years, it does not become part of the Constitution.

w. Twenty-Third Amendment (Passed by Congress June 16, 1960. Ratified March 29, 1961.)

SECTION 1

“The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as 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 itwere 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.”

Explanation:

This section gives the District of Columbia the right to appoint electors for president and vice president in the same manner as the states.

Here’s what it means,

• The District of Columbia, which serves as the seat of the federal government, can appoint the same number of electors for president and vice president as the total number of senators and representatives in Congress if it were a state. However, it cannot recruit more voters than the state with the least population.
  
• These electors in the District of Columbia are in addition to those appointed by the states, but they are considered electors appointed by a state, for purposes of presidential elections.
  
• These electors meet in the District of Columbia and perform their duties as specified by the Twelfth Amendment, which refers to the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution, outlining the Electoral College process.

In summary, the 23rd Amendment gave residents of the District of Columbia a voice in the election of president and vice president by allowing them to appoint electors to the Electoral College.

SECTION 2

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

Explanation:

• This Section means that Congress has the power to pass laws implementing the provisions of the 23rd Amendment.

The Twenty-third Amendment gives the District of Columbia the right to appoint electors for president and vice president in the same manner as the states. This provision ensures that Congress may enact laws to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of this amendment, including any necessary rules or procedures relating to the appointment and participation of electors from the District of Columbia in presidential elections.

x. Twenty-Fourth Amendment (Passed by Congress August 27, 1962. Ratified January 23, 1964)

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 poll tax or other tax.”

Explanation:

This Section ensures that the right of citizens of the United States to vote for president, vice president, electors for president or vice president, or senators or representatives in Congress in primary or general elections cannot be denied or limited by the federal government or anyone else. State for failure to pay a poll tax or any other tax.

Before the ratification of the Twenty-fourth Amendment in 1964, some states imposed poll taxes, requiring individuals to pay a fee to vote. The amendment aims to remove such barriers to voting, ensuring that the right to vote is not dependent on paying taxes.

SECTION 2

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

Explanation:

This Section means that Congress has the power to pass laws that enforce the provisions of the Twenty-fourth Amendment.

The Twenty-fourth Amendment prohibits the use of a poll tax or any other tax as a voting requirement in federal elections, such as for president, vice president, senators, and representatives in Congress. By including this clause, the amendment empowers Congress to enact laws to ensure that the right to vote is protected and that no person is disenfranchised by imposing a tax as a condition of voting.

y. Twenty-Fifth Amendment (Passed by Congress July 6, 1965. Ratified February 10, 1967)

(Note: Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution was modified by the 25th Amendment.)

SECTION 1

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

Explanation:

This Section means that if the President is removed from office, dies or resigns, the Vice President will assume the office of President.

The Twenty-fifth Amendment outlines the procedure for presidential succession and clarifies what happens if the president is unable to perform his duties. This provision ensures continuity of government by ensuring that there is a clear line of succession if the president is unable to perform his duties.

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.”

Explanation:

This clause means that if the position of vice president becomes vacant due to death, resignation or removal from office, the president has the responsibility to nominate a new vice president. This nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of both the House of Representatives and the Senate to assume the office of Vice President.

The Twenty-fifth Amendment outlines the procedure for filling vacancies in the vice-presidency to ensure that there is a designated successor if the vice-president is unable to perform their duties. This provision ensures continuity of government by providing a mechanism to replace the Vice President if necessary.

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.”

Explanation:

This Section means that if the President is unable to perform the duties of their office, they can send a written declaration to the President Pro-Senate of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives stating their inability to perform their powers and duties.

In such circumstances, the Vice President assumes the role of Acting President until the President sends a written declaration that he is able to resume his duties. This provision ensures that there is a clear mechanism for temporarily transferring power to the Vice President if the President is incapacitated or unable to perform his duties.

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.”

Explanation:

This Section outlines the procedure for the inability of the President to discharge the powers and duties of the office and the subsequent transfer of power to the Vice President as Acting President.

If the vice president and most of the chief executive officers or other agencies designated by Congress provide a written declaration that the president is unable to perform their duties, the vice president immediately assumes the powers and responsibilities of the president as acting president.

If the President does not agree with the declaration of incapacity, they can submit their own written declaration that they are able to perform their duties. However, if the vice president and a majority of the nominees confirm the president’s incapacity within four days, Congress must decide the matter.

Congress must convene within forty-eight hours if the session has not already begun. If, within twenty-one days of the President’s receipt of the Declaration of Power, or within twenty-one days of Congress being assembled, two-thirds of both the House and the Senate vote that the President is unable to perform his duties, the Vice President continues as Acting President. Otherwise, the President will resume their duties.

The amendment establishes a clear mechanism for determining the incapacity of the President and ensuring continuity of government in such circumstances.

z. Twenty-Sixth Amendment (Passed by Congress March 23, 1971. Ratified July 1, 1971)

(Note: Amendment 14, Section 2 of the Constitution was modified by Section 1 of the 26th Amendment.)

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.”

Explanation:

This amendment ensures that the right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote cannot be denied or limited by the federal government or by any state based on their age.

Before the Twenty-sixth Amendment was ratified in 1971, many states had laws that set the minimum voting age at 21. This amendment lowered the voting age to 18, the age at which individuals are considered adults and others can fully participate. Civic responsibility. It aimed to ensure young adults a voice in the political process by giving them the right to vote.

SECTION 2

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

Explanation :

This Section means that Congress has the power to pass laws that implement the provisions of the 26th Amendment.

The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18, ensuring that citizens 18 and older have the right to vote and that this right cannot be denied or restricted by the federal government or any state based on age. By including this clause, the amendment gives Congress the power to enact legislation to ensure that the right to vote is protected and that young adults have full access to participate in the democratic process.

aa. Twenty-Seventh Amendment (Originally proposed Sept. 25, 1789. Ratified May 7, 1992)

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

Explanation:
Thisamendmentmeans that Congress has the power to pass laws that implement the provisions of the 26th Amendment.

The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18, ensuring that citizens 18 and older have the right to vote and that this right cannot be denied or restricted by the federal government or any state based on age. By including this clause, the amendment gives Congress the power to enact legislation to ensure that the right to vote is protected and that young adults have full access to participate in the democratic process.