Assess which of the following amendments has had the greatest impact on increasing civil rights.
twenty-seventh
twelfth
fourteenth
twenty-first
The fourteenth amendment has had the greatest impact on increasing civil rights. This amendment, ratified in 1868, provides equal protection under the law to all citizens and prohibits states from denying any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. It has been instrumental in protecting civil rights and promoting equal treatment for historically marginalized groups, particularly African Americans, women, and other minority groups. The fourteenth amendment has been used to strike down discriminatory laws and practices, and has served as the basis for landmark Supreme Court decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade. It has had a lasting and significant impact on increasing civil rights in the United States.
14th
The amendment that has had the greatest impact on increasing civil rights is the fourteenth amendment.
To assess which amendment has had the greatest impact on increasing civil rights among the given options, let's examine each amendment and evaluate its significance in promoting civil rights:
1. Twenty-seventh Amendment:
The Twenty-seventh Amendment, ratified in 1992, primarily addresses congressional pay. It states that any change in congressional compensation cannot take effect until after the next House of Representatives election. While this amendment ensures accountability and fairness regarding congressional salaries, it does not directly pertain to civil rights. Therefore, the Twenty-seventh Amendment has not had a significant impact on increasing civil rights.
2. Twelfth Amendment:
The Twelfth Amendment, ratified in 1804, directs the Electoral College procedure for electing the President and Vice President. Although this amendment ensures a democratic electoral process, it does not directly address civil rights. Hence, the Twelfth Amendment does not significantly contribute to the advancement of civil rights.
3. Fourteenth Amendment:
The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, is considered one of the most critical amendments in terms of civil rights. It grants citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States" and guarantees equal protection of the laws to every individual. The Fourteenth Amendment has played a vital role in various civil rights advancements, including the desegregation of schools, protection against discriminatory laws, and the promotion of equal treatment under the law. Therefore, the Fourteenth Amendment has had a substantial impact on increasing civil rights.
4. Twenty-first Amendment:
The Twenty-first Amendment, ratified in 1933, repealed the prohibition of alcohol as imposed by the Eighteenth Amendment. While the repeal of the prohibition had societal and economic impacts, it is not directly related to civil rights issues. Consequently, the Twenty-first Amendment did not significantly contribute to the expansion of civil rights.
Based on this analysis, the Fourteenth Amendment is the amendment that has had the greatest impact on increasing civil rights among the options provided.