History of the Amendment Process

Academic CivicsMr. BloughHistory of the Amendment ProcessConstitutional History Despite 27 amendments made, the amendments follow several historical patterns:Bill of Rights #1-10 (late 1780s)Civil War Amendments #13-15 (1860s)Progressive Era #16-20 (early 1900s-1930s)Modern Amendments #23-27(1960s-present)Bill of Rights EraCreated Amendments #1-10Drafted by the anti-federalists, who believed the Constitution needed a safeguard against abuses by the national governmentThomas Jefferson supporter of Bill of RightsMany of the protections in Amendments 1-10 stem from British injustices during the colonial periodCivil War AmendmentsAfter the Union wins the Civil War, the rights of former slaves needs to be addressed:13th Amendment makes slavery illegal in US14th Amendment defines citizenship as anybody born in the US or naturalizedEqual Protection Clause state governments must protect people equallyApplies the Bill of Rights to the state governments (incorporation)15th Amendment African Americans given the right to voteProgressive EraConditions in the late 1800s and early 1900s force reformers to make changes to working conditions, political fairness, and other reforms to improve society

16th Amendment Gives Congress the power to levy national income tax17th Amendment - Senators are elected directly by the people, not by state representatives as originally mandated in Article I18th Amendment - makes alcohol consumption/production illegal19th Amendment Suffrage to women (right to vote)20th Amendment Presidents term begins in Jan. after Nov. electionModern-Era Amendments22nd Amendment Presidential terms maxed at 2 (8 yrs. total)23rd Amendment People in Washington DC get the right to vote24th Amendment Abolishes poll tax25th Amendment Explains who succeeds the president in the event of resignation, death, etc.26th Amendment voting age: 18 years27th Amendment Pay raises for Congress cant occur until after theyre reelected

For the test tomorrow:Obviously, be sure to know the first ten amendments Also be sure to know the voting amendments (13,19,24,26)Know the limits on the freedoms in the Bill of RightsCivil vs. criminal cases whats the difference?Purpose of the Bill of Rights