fifth lecture

Eleventh Amendment

This amendment established that U.S. courts do not have jurisdiction to hear cases against a state brought by citizens of another state or foreign entities, reinforcing the principle of sovereign immunity.

Twelfth Amendment

It modified the electoral process by requiring separate ballots for the President and Vice President, addressing the issues faced during the election of Thomas Jefferson.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for convicted crimes, ensuring freedom for all individuals in the U.S.

Fourteenth Amendment

Provided citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guaranteed equal protection under the law, directly responding to racial discrimination highlighted in the Dred Scott case.

Fifteenth Amendment

Granted suffrage to male citizens regardless of race, though it did not include women.

Sixteenth Amendment

Established the federal income tax, allowing Congress to levy taxes on income without apportioning it among the states.

Seventeenth Amendment

Provided for the direct election of U.S. senators by the voters, rather than by state legislatures, enhancing democratic representation.

Eighteenth Amendment

Enacted Prohibition, banning the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors, motivated by social reformers aiming to reduce societal issues related to alcohol.

Nineteenth Amendment

Granted women the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in gender equality in elections.

Twentieth Amendment

Moved the inauguration date of the President and Vice President to January 20, reducing the time a defeated president remained in office (lame-duck period).

Twenty-First Amendment

Repealed the Eighteenth Amendment, ending Prohibition after its failure to curb drinking and related social problems.

Twenty-Second Amendment

Limited presidents to two terms in office following FDR's four-term presidency, to prevent excessive accumulation of power.

Twenty-Third Amendment

Granted residents of Washington D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections, addressing their lack of representation.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

Abolished poll taxes in federal elections, removing financial barriers that disenfranchised poor and minority voters.

Twenty-Fifth Amendment

Clarified presidential succession and procedures for presidential disability following JFK's assassination, asserting the vice president's role in case of vacancy.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, largely in response to the Vietnam War and the principle that those who can be drafted should also have the right to vote.

Twenty-Seventh Amendment

Originally proposed in 1789, it prohibits Congress from altering its salary until after the next election, ensuring accountability to voters.