History of the Bill of Rights

On November 15, 1777 the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was approved by the Continental Congress. This edict (though “perpetual” in name) would last only twelve years, to be replaced by the Constitution after it became heartily apparent that the Articles would ensure America’s doom should they be perpetuated. Purposeful in its design, the … Continue reading History of the Bill of Rights

“White House Kids” Series – Harrison Ruffin Tyler, Grandson of 10th President John Tyler

To many, the history of the United States can seem long - over two centuries of political discourse, social changes, and frequent fluctuations in just about everything else. The history of our nation, however, is relatively short, especially considering that a grandson of tenth President John Tyler is still alive today. Born in 1928, Harrison … Continue reading “White House Kids” Series – Harrison Ruffin Tyler, Grandson of 10th President John Tyler

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXVII – “Financial Compensation for the Congress”

Gregory Watson holding his Student Academic Record update, showing the new "A+" grade he received for his college essay proposing the 27th Amendment's passage, 2018. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman) Amendment Twenty-seven to the Constitution was ratified on May 7, 1992. It forbids any changes to the salary of Congress members from taking effect until the next … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXVII – “Financial Compensation for the Congress”

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXVI – “Voting at the Age of Eighteen”

Demonstrators calling for support to lower voting age in Seattle, Washington, 1969. (Museum of History and Industry) Amendment Twenty-six to the Constitution was ratified on July 1, 1971. It lowered the voting age for all Americans to eighteen years, having previously been twenty-one years for the longest time. The official text is written as such: … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXVI – “Voting at the Age of Eighteen”

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXV – “Addressing the Presidential Succession Process”

Portrait of John Tyler, the first vice president to ascend to the presidency after the death of William Henry Harrison, c. 1861. (Library of Congress) Amendment Twenty-five to the Constitution was ratified on February 10, 1967. It established and explained the complete order of presidential succession, as well as a series of contingency plans to … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXV – “Addressing the Presidential Succession Process”

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXIV – “Elimination of Poll Taxes”

Political cartoon by Theodor Geisel - better known by his penname "Dr. Seuss" - criticizing poll taxes in American elections, 1942. (Public Domain) Amendment Twenty-four to the Constitution was ratified on January 23, 1964. It abolished and forbids the federal and state governments from imposing taxes on voters during federal elections. The official text is … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXIV – “Elimination of Poll Taxes”

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXIII – “Extending the Vote to the District of Columbia”

Official ballot for Washington, D.C. voters in the 1964 presidential election, the first one conducted under the Twenty-third Amendment. (National Museum of American History) Amendment Twenty-three to the Constitution was ratified on March 29, 1961. It gives electors to the District of Columbia - the capital city of the United States - so that it … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXIII – “Extending the Vote to the District of Columbia”

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXII – “Term Limits for the Presidency”

Color portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had been elected president four times from 1932 to 1944. (Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum) Amendment Twenty-two to the Constitution was ratified on February 27, 1951. It establishes term limits on those elected president, and outlines an accompanying series of stipulations regarding the eligibility of … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXII – “Term Limits for the Presidency”

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXI – “Repeal of Prohibition”

Bar patrons in New York City celebrate the Twenty-first Amendment's passage and the subsequent conclusion of the Prohibition Era, 1933. (Getty Images) Amendment Twenty-one to the Constitution was ratified on December 5, 1933. It repealed the previous Eighteenth Amendment which had established a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. The official … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXI – “Repeal of Prohibition”

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XX – “Date Changes for Presidency, Congress, and Succession”

Portrait of Senator George Norris, the author of the first resolution that ultimately created the Twentieth Amendment, c. 1910. (Public Domain) Amendment Twenty to the Constitution was ratified on January 23, 1933. It changed the original calendar dates for the president and vice president’s terms from March 4 to January 20. For those in Congress, … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XX – “Date Changes for Presidency, Congress, and Succession”