Constitutional Amendments and State Laws

Powers Reserved to the States

Some laws are reserved to the states, meaning that the federal constitution doesn't directly address them. An example of this is marijuana laws. While some states have legalized marijuana, it remains illegal at the federal level. If someone carries marijuana into a state where it's illegal, they can be prosecuted, even if it's legal in their home state.

• State laws cannot directly contradict the U.S. Constitution. If the Constitution prohibits something, a state cannot legalize it.
• Some laws in the Constitution are absolute, such as the prohibition against murder. States cannot legalize the taking of someone's life.
• Matters not addressed in the Constitution, like marijuana, are left to the states to decide.

Amendment 13: Abolition of Slavery

Prior to the 13th Amendment, slavery was legal in the United States. However, the 13th Amendment changed that, abolishing slavery.

Amendment 15: Voting Rights for All Races

Before the 15th Amendment, only white individuals were allowed to vote. The 15th Amendment granted voting rights to all races.

Amendment 19: Women's Suffrage

Up until the 19th Amendment, women were not allowed to vote. Different races were allowed to vote before women were allowed to vote. The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.

Amendments 18 and 21: Prohibition and Repeal

Amendment 18 outlawed all alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, gin, and whiskey.

Amendment 21 later repealed Amendment 18, thereby legalizing alcohol again.