Citizenship Flashcards
What is the supreme law of the land?
the Constitution
What does the Constitution do?
sets up the government,
defines the government,
protects basic rights of Americans
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
We the People
What is an amendment?
a change (to the Constitution), an addition (to the Constitution)
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
the Bill of Rights
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
speech, religion, assembly, press, petition the government
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
twenty-seven (27)
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
announced our independence (from Great Britain), declared our independence (from Great Britain), said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
What is freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
What is the economic system in the United States?
capitalist economy, market economy
What is the ‘rule of law’?
Everyone must follow the law, Leaders must obey the law, Government must obey the law, No one is above the law.
Name one branch or part of the government.
Congress, legislative, President, executive, the courts, judicial
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
checks and balances, separation of powers
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
the President
Who makes federal laws?
Congress, Senate and House (of Representatives), (U.S. or national) legislature
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
the Senate and House (of Representatives)
How many U.S. Senators are there?
one hundred (100)
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
six (6)
Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?
Ashley Moody or Rick Schott (Florida)
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
four hundred thirty-five (435)
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
two (2)
Name your U.S. Representative.
Mario Diaz-Balart
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
all people of the state
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
(because of) the state’s population, (because) they have more people, (because) some states have more people
We elect a President for how many years?
four (4)
In what month do we vote for President?
November
What is the name of the President of the United States now?
Donald J. Trump
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
JD Vance
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Vice President
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Speaker of the House
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
the President
Who signs bills to become laws?
the President
Who vetoes bills?
the President
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
advises the President
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Attorney General, Vice President
What does the judicial branch do?
reviews laws, explains laws, resolves disputes (disagreements), decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What is the highest court in the United States?
the Supreme Court
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
John Roberts
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
to print money, to declare war, to create an army, to make treaties
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
provide schooling and education, provide protection (police), provide safety (fire departments), give a driver’s license, approve zoning and land use
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Ron DeSantis (Florida)
What is the capital of your state?
Tallahassee (Florida)
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
Democratic and Republican
What is the political party of the President now?
Republican
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Mike Johnson
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote), You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote, Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.), A male citizen of any race (can vote).
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
serve on a jury, vote in a federal election
Name one right only for United States citizens.
vote in a federal election, run for federal office
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom to petition the government, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
the United States, the flag
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, obey the laws of the United States, serve in the U.S. military (if needed), serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed), be loyal to the United States
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
eighteen (18) and older
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
vote, join a political party, help with a campaign, join a civic group, join a community group, give an elected official your opinion on an issue, call Senators and Representatives, publicly support or oppose an issue or policy, run for office, write to a newspaper
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
at age eighteen (18), between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)
What is one reason colonists came to America?
freedom, political liberty, religious freedom, economic opportunity, practice their religion, escape persecution
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
American Indians, Native Americans
What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
Africans, people from Africa
Why did the colonists fight the British?
because of high taxes (taxation without representation), because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering), because they didn’t have self-government
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
(Thomas) Jefferson
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776
There were 13 original states. Name three.
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia
What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
The Constitution was written, The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.
When was the Constitution written?
1787
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
(James) Madison, (Alexander) Hamilton, (John) Jay, Publius
What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
U.S. diplomat, oldest member of the Constitutional Convention, first Postmaster General of the United States, writer of ‘Poor Richard’s Almanac’, started the first free libraries
Who is the ‘Father of Our Country’?
(George) Washington
Who was the first President?
(George) Washington
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
the Louisiana Territory, Louisiana
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War
Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
the Civil War, the War between the States
Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
slavery, economic reasons, states’ rights
What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?
freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation), saved (or preserved) the Union, led the United States during the Civil War
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
freed the slaves, freed slaves in the Confederacy, freed slaves in the Confederate states, freed slaves in most Southern states
What did Susan B. Anthony do?
fought for women’s rights, fought for civil rights
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, (Persian) Gulf War
Who was President during World War I?
(Woodrow) Wilson
Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
(Franklin) Roosevelt
Who did the United States fight in World War II?
Japan, Germany, and Italy
Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?
World War II
During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
Communism
What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
civil rights (movement)
What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?
fought for civil rights, worked for equality for all Americans
What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
Terrorists attacked the United States.
Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Pueblo, Apache, Iroquois, Creek, Blackfeet, Seminole, Cheyenne, Arawak, Shawnee, Mohegan, Huron, Oneida, Lakota, Crow, Teton, Hopi, Inuit
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
Missouri (River), Mississippi (River)
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
Pacific (Ocean)
What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
Atlantic (Ocean)
Name one U.S. territory.
Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam
Name one state that borders Canada.
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Alaska
Name one state that borders Mexico.
California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
New York (Harbor), Liberty Island
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
because there were 13 original colonies, because the stripes represent the original colonies
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
because there is one star for each state, because each star represents a state, because there are 50 states
What is the name of the national anthem?
The Star-Spangled Banner
When do we celebrate Independence Day?
July 4
Name two national U.S. holidays.
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
What rights does the First Amendment protect?
Rights to express ideas through speech and the press, assemble, and religious beliefs
It also allows individuals to petition the government for redress of grievances.
What does the Second Amendment protect?
The right to keep and bear arms
This amendment is often referenced in discussions about gun control.
What does the Third Amendment prevent?
The government from forcing homeowners to house soldiers
This amendment was a response to British practices before the Revolutionary War.
What does the Fourth Amendment bar?
Unreasonable search and seizure
This amendment protects individual privacy and property rights.
What protections does the Fifth Amendment provide?
Protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and ensures due process
It also requires serious criminal charges to be initiated by a grand jury.
Fill in the blank: The First Amendment prevents the government from creating or favoring a _______.
religion
Fill in the blank: The Fifth Amendment states that serious criminal charges must be started by a _______.
grand jury
True or False: The Third Amendment allows the government to quarter soldiers in private homes.
False
What is the significance of the term ‘double jeopardy’ in the context of the Fifth Amendment?
A person cannot be tried twice for the same offense
This protects individuals from repeated legal action for the same crime.
What protections does the Sixth Amendment provide to people accused of crimes?
The right to a speedy and public trial, trial by an impartial jury, to be informed of criminal charges, to confront witnesses, to have one’s own witnesses, and to be represented by a lawyer.
What does the Seventh Amendment extend?
The right to a jury trial in Federal civil cases.
What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?
Excessive bail and fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
What is the significance of the Ninth Amendment?
It states that listing specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that people do not have other rights that have not been spelled out.
What does the Tenth Amendment clarify about the powers of the Federal Government?
The Federal Government only has those powers delegated in the Constitution; if it isn’t listed, it belongs to the states or to the people.
Fill in the blank: The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a _______.
[speedy and public trial]
True or False: The Seventh Amendment applies only to criminal cases.
False
Fill in the blank: The Eighth Amendment bars _______ bail and fines.
[excessive]
True or False: The Ninth Amendment implies that all rights are listed in the Constitution.
False
What is the main purpose of the Tenth Amendment?
To assert that powers not delegated to the Federal Government are reserved for the states or the people.
What does the Constitution of the United States contain?
A preamble and seven articles that describe the structure and operation of government
The articles establish the three branches of government and their powers.
Which branches of government are established in the first three articles of the Constitution?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Legislative is represented by Congress, Executive by the President, and Judicial by the Federal court system.
What system prevents any one branch of government from becoming dominant?
Checks and balances
This system ensures that the powers of each branch are regulated by the others.
What do Articles IV through VII of the Constitution describe?
The relationship of the states to the Federal Government, the Constitution as the supreme law, and the amendment and ratification processes
These articles establish key principles regarding state and federal relations.
What responsibility is assigned to the Legislative Branch in Article I?
Making laws
This branch is comprised of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What are the two parts of Congress as described in Article I?
House of Representatives and Senate
This bicameral structure was a compromise between large and small states regarding representation.
How was representation in Congress determined according to Article I?
A compromise between population-based representation for large states and equal representation for small states
This compromise led to the bicameral structure.
What does Article II detail?
The Executive Branch and the offices of the President and Vice President
It also includes rules for electing the President and eligibility requirements.
What are the eligibility requirements to be President as outlined in Article II?
Must be a natural-born citizen and at least 35 years old
These requirements help define who can hold the office.
What does Article III establish?
The Judicial Branch with the U.S. Supreme Court as the highest court
This article specifies the appointment of Federal judges for life, barring serious crimes.
For how long are Federal judges appointed according to Article III?
For life, unless they commit a serious crime
This provision is intended to maintain judicial independence.
What did the Federal Convention leave to the First Congress regarding the court system?
Much of the work of planning the court system
This led to the creation of the three-tiered court system established by the 1789 Judiciary Act.
What created the three-tiered court system in place today?
The 1789 Judiciary Act
This act was passed by the First Congress to organize the federal judiciary.
Fill in the blank: Article I assigns the responsibility for making laws to the _______.
Legislative Branch (Congress)
Congress is divided into two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
True or False: The Constitution establishes the President as the only member of the Executive Branch.
False
The Executive Branch also includes the Vice President.
What does Article IV outline?
States’ powers in relationship to each other
States can create and enforce their own laws but must respect the laws of other states
What authority does Congress have in relation to state laws according to Article IV?
Congress may pass Federal laws regarding how states honor other states’ laws and records
This ensures cooperation among states
What is the amendment process described in Article V?
More difficult than the process for making laws
Requires two-thirds of both the Senate and House to propose an amendment
What are the two ways an amendment can be proposed according to Article V?
- Two-thirds of the Senate and House vote
- Two-thirds of state legislatures submit an application to Congress
Congress can then call a national convention
What is required for an amendment to be ratified?
Three-fourths of the state legislatures or state conventions must vote in favor
This ensures broad support for changes to the Constitution
What does Article VI state about Federal law?
Federal law is supreme over state and local laws
Conflicts between state and Federal law favor Federal law
What does Article VII describe?
The ratification process for the Constitution
Required special state ratifying conventions
How many states were required to enact the Constitution according to Article VII?
Nine states
This was necessary for the Constitution to take effect
Which state became the 13th state to ratify the Constitution?
Rhode Island
Ratified the Constitution in 1790
What do Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution make up?
The Bill of Rights
When was Amendment XI passed by Congress?
March 4, 1794
When was Amendment XI ratified?
February 7, 1795
What does Amendment XI modify?
Article III, section 2 of the Constitution
What is prohibited by Amendment XI?
Suits against one of the United States by Citizens of another State or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State
When was Amendment XII passed by Congress?
December 9, 1803
When was Amendment XII ratified?
June 15, 1804
What does Amendment XII require Electors to do?
Vote by ballot for President and Vice-President
In Amendment XII, how many ballots must Electors cast?
Two distinct ballots
What is required of the person voted for as President in Amendment XII?
At least one must not be an inhabitant of the same state as the Electors
Who counts the votes for President according to Amendment XII?
The President of the Senate in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives
What happens if no candidate receives a majority of votes for President?
The House of Representatives chooses the President from the top three candidates
How does the House of Representatives vote for President if required?
By states, with each state having one vote
What constitutes a quorum for the House of Representatives to choose a President?
Members from two-thirds of the states
What happens if the House of Representatives does not choose a President by March 4?
The Vice-President acts as President
What is required for the person voted as Vice-President to be elected?
A majority of the whole number of Electors appointed
If no Vice-President receives a majority, who chooses the Vice-President?
The Senate from the two highest candidates
What constitutes a quorum for the Senate to choose a Vice-President?
Two-thirds of the whole number of Senators
Who is ineligible to be Vice-President according to Amendment XII?
Any person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President
What does the 13th Amendment prohibit?
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted
When was the 13th Amendment passed and ratified?
Passed by Congress January 31, 1865; Ratified December 6, 1865
What power does Section 2 of the 13th Amendment grant Congress?
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation
What does the 14th Amendment establish about citizenship?
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States
When was the 14th Amendment passed and ratified?
Passed by Congress June 13, 1866; Ratified July 9, 1868
What does Section 1 of the 14th Amendment prohibit states from doing?
No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States
Fill in the blank: The 14th Amendment states that no State shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without _______.
due process of law
What is the basis for apportioning representatives according to Section 2 of the 14th Amendment?
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
What happens if the right to vote is denied to male inhabitants aged twenty-one and over in a State?
The basis of representation shall be reduced in proportion to the number of such male citizens
Who is disqualified from holding office according to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment?
No person who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or given aid or comfort to its enemies
True or False: The Congress can remove the disability imposed by Section 3 of the 14th Amendment by a vote of two-thirds of each House.
True
What does Section 4 of the 14th Amendment state about public debt?
The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, shall not be questioned
What debts are considered illegal and void under Section 4 of the 14th Amendment?
Debts incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or claims for the loss or emancipation of any slave
What power does Congress have under Section 5 of the 14th Amendment?
The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article
What section of the Constitution was superseded by the 13th Amendment?
A portion of Article IV, section 2
What section of the Constitution was modified by the 14th Amendment?
Article I, section 2
What does Amendment XV state regarding the right to vote?
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.
Ratified on February 3, 1870.
What power does Congress have according to Section 2 of Amendment XV?
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
This amendment was passed by Congress on February 26, 1869.
What does Amendment XVI allow Congress to do?
Lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
Ratified on February 3, 1913.
What was modified by Amendment XVI?
Article I, section 9, of the Constitution.
This amendment was passed by Congress on July 2, 1909.
What does Amendment XVII state about the Senate composition?
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.
Ratified on April 8, 1913.
What happens when vacancies occur in the Senate according to Amendment XVII?
The executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies, and may make temporary appointments until elections are held.
This amendment was passed by Congress on May 13, 1912.
What does Amendment XVIII prohibit?
The manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes within the United States.
Ratified on January 16, 1919, and repealed by amendment 21.
What concurrent power is granted by Amendment XVIII?
The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
This amendment was passed by Congress on December 18, 1917.
What is the condition for Amendment XVIII to be operative?
It shall be ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States within seven years from the date of submission.
This amendment includes a specific time frame for ratification.
What is the significance of Amendment XIX?
It grants the right to vote regardless of sex.
Ratified on August 18, 1920, this amendment ensures that voting rights cannot be denied based on gender.
When was Amendment XIX passed by Congress?
June 4, 1919.
This amendment was a significant milestone in the women’s suffrage movement.
What power does Congress have under Amendment XIX?
To enforce the article by appropriate legislation.
This allows Congress to create laws that uphold the voting rights established by this amendment.
What is the main change introduced by Amendment XX?
Modifies the terms of the President, Vice President, Senators, and Representatives.
Ratified on January 23, 1933, it specifies the end dates for these terms.
When do the terms of the President and Vice President end according to Amendment XX?
At noon on the 20th day of January.
This change was designed to reduce the ‘lame duck’ period between elections and the start of new terms.
When are Congress sessions required to begin as per Amendment XX?
At noon on the 3rd day of January.
This ensures Congress assembles at least once a year.
What happens if the President-elect dies before the term begins according to Amendment XX?
The Vice President-elect becomes President.
This provision ensures continuity of leadership.
What does Section 4 of Amendment XX address?
The death of candidates from whom Congress chooses a President or Vice President.
It allows Congress to establish procedures in such cases.
When do Sections 1 and 2 of Amendment XX take effect?
On the 15th day of October following ratification.
This specifies the timeline for the implementation of these sections.
Under what condition does Amendment XX become inoperative?
If not ratified by three-fourths of the states within seven years.
This sets a time limit for the amendment’s acceptance.
What does Amendment XXI repeal?
The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States
This amendment effectively ended Prohibition.
When was Amendment XXI passed and ratified?
Passed by Congress on February 20, 1933, ratified on December 5, 1933.
What does Section 2 of Amendment XXI prohibit?
The transportation or importation of intoxicating liquors into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States in violation of the laws thereof.
What is the time limit for ratification of Amendment XXI?
Within seven years from the date of submission to the States by Congress.
What is the main provision of Amendment XXII?
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.
What does Amendment XXII state about a person who has held the office of President?
They cannot be elected to the office more than once if they have held the office or acted as President for more than two years of a term to which someone else was elected.
When was Amendment XXII passed and ratified?
Passed by Congress on March 21, 1947, ratified on February 27, 1951.
What exception does Amendment XXII provide regarding its application?
It does not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed.
What is the ratification requirement for Amendment XXII?
Ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission.
What does Amendment XXIII establish regarding the District of Columbia?
It allows the District to appoint electors of President and Vice President equal to the number of Senators and Representatives it would have if it were a State.
When was Amendment XXIII passed and ratified?
Passed by Congress on June 16, 1960, ratified on March 29, 1961.
What is the maximum number of electors that the District can appoint under Amendment XXIII?
No more than the least populous State.
What power does Congress have under Amendment XXIII?
The power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
What does Amendment XXIV guarantee?
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
Ratified on January 23, 1964.
When was Amendment XXIV passed by Congress?
August 27, 1962.
This amendment was ratified in 1964.
What power does Congress have under Amendment XXIV?
To enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
What is the purpose of Amendment XXV?
To address presidential succession and the inability of the President to discharge powers.
Ratified on February 10, 1967.
When was Amendment XXV passed by Congress?
July 6, 1965.
Who becomes President if the current President is removed, dies, or resigns according to Amendment XXV?
The Vice President.
What happens if there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President?
The President nominates a Vice President who takes office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.
What must the President do to transfer powers to the Vice President under Amendment XXV?
Transmit a written declaration of inability to discharge powers and duties.
In Amendment XXV, who can declare that the President is unable to discharge his powers?
The Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or another body provided by Congress.
What is the time frame for Congress to assemble after a declaration of presidential inability?
Within forty-eight hours.
What majority is required in Congress to determine that the President is unable to discharge powers?
A two-thirds vote of both Houses.
What happens if Congress determines that the President is unable to perform duties?
The Vice President continues to discharge the powers as Acting President.
Fill in the blank: The Vice President assumes the powers of Acting President when the President transmits a written declaration of _______.
[inability to discharge powers and duties]
True or False: Amendment XXV allows the President to resume powers without any conditions after declaring no inability.
False.
What does Amendment XXVI guarantee?
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.
Ratified on July 1, 1971.
When was Amendment XXVI proposed and ratified?
Proposed on March 23, 1971; ratified on July 1, 1971.
What modification does Amendment XXVI make to the Constitution?
Amendment 14, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 1 of the 26th amendment.
This relates to voting rights and age restrictions.
What power does Section 2 of Amendment XXVI grant Congress?
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
What does Amendment XXVII state about compensation for Senators and Representatives?
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
When was Amendment XXVII originally proposed and ratified?
Originally proposed on Sept. 25, 1789; ratified on May 7, 1992.
