Last 4 discuss the power of the states and procedures for amending the Constitution
The last four amendments of the United States Constitution touch upon various subjects, including the power of the states and procedures for amending the Constitution. Let's break down these amendments one by one:
1. 21st Amendment:
The 21st Amendment, ratified in 1933, repealed the 18th Amendment, which had established the prohibition of alcoholic beverages. This amendment is significant in addressing the power of the states because it gave each state the authority to regulate the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol within its borders. This effectively ended the nationwide ban on alcohol and returned the power to regulate alcohol to the states.
2. 22nd Amendment:
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits the eligibility of a person to serve as President of the United States to a maximum of two terms. This amendment does not directly relate to the power of states, but it does impact the procedures for amending the Constitution. It serves as an example of how the Constitution can be amended to place limitations on the executive branch.
3. 23rd Amendment:
The 23rd Amendment, ratified in 1961, grants the residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote in presidential elections. This amendment emphasizes the power of the states because it essentially treats the District of Columbia as if it were a state for the purpose of voting in presidential elections.
4. 24th Amendment:
The 24th Amendment, ratified in 1964, prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections. This amendment directly addresses the power of the states by prohibiting a specific practice that some states had employed to restrict voting rights. By banning poll taxes, the federal government reinforced the idea of equal access to voting in all states.
Regarding the procedures for amending the Constitution, the amendment process is outlined in Article V of the Constitution. To propose an amendment, there are two methods:
1. Two-thirds of both houses of Congress can vote to propose an amendment.
2. Two-thirds of the state legislatures can request Congress to call a constitutional convention.
Once an amendment is proposed, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the states. This can be done either by three-fourths of state legislatures voting in favor or by three-fourths of state conventions. The method of ratification is determined by Congress when proposing the amendment.
In summary, the last four amendments of the U.S. Constitution touch upon various aspects, including the power of states and procedures for amending the Constitution. The 21st, 23rd, and 24th Amendments directly address the power of states, while the 22nd Amendment serves as an example of a limitation on the executive branch. The amendment process itself is outlined in Article V of the Constitution and involves proposing an amendment and subsequently ratifying it by the states.