Constitutional Amendments

SOC Final Exam

What does the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Section 1, state?

It abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted

What is slavery?

Legal ownership of another person

What is involuntary servitude?

Being forced to work against your will, often under threat, without ownership

What are the 5 key clauses in Section 1 of the 14th Amendment

1. Citizenship Clause

2. Privileges or Immunities Clause

3. Due Process Clause

4. Equal Protection Clause

5. Enforcement Clause

What does the Citizenship Clause do?

Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

What does the Privileges or Immunities Clause do?

Protects certain rights of citizens from state interferance

What does the Due Process Clause do?

No state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law

What does the Equal Protection Clause do?

Requires equal protection under the law for all persons

What does the Enforcement Clause do?

Grants Congress power to enforce the amendment through legislation

Who does the 14th Amendment protect?

All persons (not just citizens) within the jurisdiction of the United States, ensuring broad civil rights protections

What right does the 15 Amendment, Section 1, guarantee?

It guarantees that citizens of the United States cannot be denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Why was the 15 Amendment important after Civil War?

It aimed to ensure that Black men could vote in the aftermath of slavery, extending civil rights protections established by the 13th and 14th Amendments.