Check Yo Self

Name: _______________
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Check Yo Self
Project Description In this project, we will be exploring the Federal Government, the checks and balances that affect it and our place within it. We will collaborate and become experts in different aspects of the government itself to create lasting reference pieces for ourselves and the school. We will also uncover pressing issues that America is facing today, find other experts in the field and propose solutions in order to make our country a better place. Together, we will learn the power a single citizen can have in creating change for us all. What will be assessed? communication (formal letter writing) collaboration (group display) critical thinking (problem identification, research and solution) civic knowledge (supply and demand, basics of the federal govt., US Constitution, social contract, state vs federal rights)

Essential Questions How do we, as Americans, make our voices heard? How do we work together to create a piece of quality work? What is an issue facing Americans today? Why is our government structured the way that it is, and why do we need to understand it? Products museum quality display that will be used as a reference tool in our classrooms and throughout the school formal letter persuading key person of influence to support a solution to a current issue process display

Table of Contents
Project Calendar 4 Formal Letter Rubric 5 Group Display Rubric . 6 The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription 7 The Preamble to the Bill of Rights 14 The Bill of Rights: A Transcription 15 Constitutional Amendments XI - XXVII . 17 Three Branches of Government 24 Supreme Court of the United States 25 Eighty-ninth Congress of the United States of America . 26 Civil Liberties Act of 1988 .. 29 The White House, Washington, October 1st, 1993 . 30 Letter correspondences between Seaver & Herbert 31 Kurt Vonnegut: I am Very Real . 33 Robert Pirosh: I Like Words 36

ProjectCalendar 10.28 Rock,paper, scissors:three branchesof government ProjectIntro 11.4 CivicsJeopardy Howmuchdo wenotknow? choosetop3 projectdisplay topics(20 minutesfor research) 11.11noschool 11.5slcday groups announcedwith display locations, researchand plan 11.6slcday researchand planningtime 11.7slcday researchand planningtime 11.8 critiqueof learningdisplay plan (wholeclass critique) 10.29 ArticleOne: Legislative Branch 10.30 ArticleTwo: Executive Branch 10.31 ArticleThree: JudicialBranch 11.1 BillofRights

11.12 displaycreation supplyand demandactivity 11.19 displaycreation

11.13 displaycreation money!

11.14 displaycreation freemarketvs. welfarestate 11.21 displaycreation

11.15 finalcritiqueof learningdisplay

11.18 displaycreation

11.20 displaycreation

11.22 grouplearning displaydue 11.29noschool 12.6 researchcritique 12.13 Finalletterdue (readytomail) Processdisplay due

11.25noschool 12.2 researchlaunch 12.9

11.26noschool 12.3

11.27noschool 12.4day researchtopic chosen 12.11 writingcritique

11.28noschool 12.5

12.10

12.12

FormalLetterRubric

Component Research: Didyouselectarelevantissue? Didyoufindreliableinformationfromavarietyofcrediblesources(atleastfive)? Didyouselectthemostappropriaterecipientforyourletter? ProposingaSolution: Didyouappeal(pathos,ethos,logos)totherecipient? Didyouusevaliddata/factstosupportyourargument? Isyoursolutionreasonable? Conventions: Isyourletterformattedcorrectly(date,returnaddress,greeting,paragraphing, signature,overallappearance)? Isthelanguageprofessional(nocolloquialisms,cliches,slang,correct grammar/punctuation)? Istheenvelopeformattedandprintedcorrectly?

Points

GroupDisplayRubric

Component Content: Doesyourdisplayincludeaccurate,comprehensiveandrelevantinformation? Dothevisualsenhancethelearningofmaterialpresented? Doesthedisplayincludeaworkscited? Display: Isitprofessionalandlasting? Istheinformationaccessibletoawideaudience(simplyworded,largeenough font,clarity,organized)? Doesthedesignofthedisplayfittheenvironment? Isitvisuallyappealing?Doesitmakethepublicwanttolookclosely? Collaboration/Cooperation: Didyoucomepreparedtocontributeeveryday? Didyoucompleteeachofyourindividualdailytasks? Didyouuseinterpersonalskillstoadvancetheworkofyourgroup? Didyougivekind,helpfulandspecificfeedbacktoothergroups? Didyoutakefeedbackfromthetwocritiquesanduseittoimprovethequalityof yourwork? Wastheworkevenlydivided?Whatroledidyouplayinensuringequity?

Points

TheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates:ATranscription
Note:ThefollowingtextisatranscriptionoftheConstitutioninitsoriginalform. Itemsthatarehyperlinkedhavesincebeenamendedorsuperseded.

WethePeopleoftheUnitedStates,inOrdertoformamoreperfectUnion,establishJustice,insuredomestic
Tranquility,provideforthecommondefence,promotethegeneralWelfare,andsecuretheBlessingsofLibertyto ourselvesandourPosterity,doordainandestablishthisConstitutionfortheUnitedStatesofAmerica.

Article.I.
Section.1. AlllegislativePowershereingrantedshallbevestedinaCongressoftheUnitedStates,whichshallconsistofa SenateandHouseofRepresentatives. Section.2. TheHouseofRepresentativesshallbecomposedofMemberschoseneverysecondYearbythePeopleofthe severalStates,andtheElectorsineachStateshallhavetheQualificationsrequisiteforElectorsofthemost numerousBranchoftheStateLegislature. NoPersonshallbeaRepresentativewhoshallnothaveattainedtotheAgeoftwentyfiveYears,andbeenseven YearsaCitizenoftheUnitedStates,andwhoshallnot,whenelected,beanInhabitantofthatStateinwhichhe shallbechosen. RepresentativesanddirectTaxesshallbeapportionedamongtheseveralStateswhichmaybeincludedwithin thisUnion,accordingtotheirrespectiveNumbers,whichshallbedeterminedbyaddingtothewholeNumberof freePersons,includingthoseboundtoServiceforaTermofYears,andexcludingIndiansnottaxed,threefifthsof allotherPersons.TheactualEnumerationshallbemadewithinthreeYearsafterthefirstMeetingoftheCongress oftheUnitedStates,andwithineverysubsequentTermoftenYears,insuchMannerastheyshallbyLawdirect. TheNumberofRepresentativesshallnotexceedoneforeverythirtyThousand,buteachStateshallhaveatLeast oneRepresentativeanduntilsuchenumerationshallbemade,theStateofNewHampshireshallbeentitledto chusethree,Massachusettseight,RhodeIslandandProvidencePlantationsone,Connecticutfive,NewYorksix, NewJerseyfour,Pennsylvaniaeight,Delawareone,Marylandsix,Virginiaten,NorthCarolinafive,SouthCarolina five,andGeorgiathree. WhenvacancieshappenintheRepresentationfromanyState,theExecutiveAuthoritythereofshallissueWritsof ElectiontofillsuchVacancies. TheHouseofRepresentativesshallchusetheirSpeakerandotherOfficersandshallhavethesolePowerof Impeachment. Section.3. TheSenateoftheUnitedStatesshallbecomposedoftwoSenatorsfromeachState,chosenbythe LegislaturethereofforsixYearsandeachSenatorshallhaveoneVote. ImmediatelyaftertheyshallbeassembledinConsequenceofthefirstElection,theyshallbedividedasequallyas maybeintothreeClasses.TheSeatsoftheSenatorsofthefirstClassshallbevacatedattheExpirationofthe secondYear,ofthesecondClassattheExpirationofthefourthYear,andofthethirdClassattheExpirationofthe sixthYear,sothatonethirdmaybechoseneverysecondYearandifVacancieshappenbyResignation,or otherwise,duringtheRecessoftheLegislatureofanyState,theExecutivethereofmaymaketemporary AppointmentsuntilthenextMeetingoftheLegislature,whichshallthenfillsuchVacancies. NoPersonshallbeaSenatorwhoshallnothaveattainedtotheAgeofthirtyYears,andbeennineYearsaCitizen oftheUnitedStates,andwhoshallnot,whenelected,beanInhabitantofthatStateforwhichheshallbechosen. TheVicePresidentoftheUnitedStatesshallbePresidentoftheSenate,butshallhavenoVote,unlesstheybe equallydivided. TheSenateshallchusetheirotherOfficers,andalsoaPresidentprotempore,intheAbsenceoftheVice President,orwhenheshallexercisetheOfficeofPresidentoftheUnitedStates. TheSenateshallhavethesolePowertotryallImpeachments.WhensittingforthatPurpose,theyshallbeonOath orAffirmation.WhenthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesistried,theChiefJusticeshallpreside:AndnoPerson

shallbeconvictedwithouttheConcurrenceoftwothirdsoftheMemberspresent. JudgmentinCasesofImpeachmentshallnotextendfurtherthantoremovalfromOffice,anddisqualificationto holdandenjoyanyOfficeofhonor,TrustorProfitundertheUnitedStates:butthePartyconvictedshall neverthelessbeliableandsubjecttoIndictment,Trial,JudgmentandPunishment,accordingtoLaw. Section.4. TheTimes,PlacesandMannerofholdingElectionsforSenatorsandRepresentatives,shallbeprescribedineach StatebytheLegislaturethereofbuttheCongressmayatanytimebyLawmakeoraltersuchRegulations,except astothePlacesofchusingSenators. TheCongressshallassembleatleastonceineveryYear,andsuchMeetingshallbeonthefirstMondayin December,unlesstheyshallbyLawappointadifferentDay. Section.5. EachHouseshallbetheJudgeoftheElections,ReturnsandQualificationsofitsownMembers,andaMajorityof eachshallconstituteaQuorumtodoBusinessbutasmallerNumbermayadjournfromdaytoday,andmaybe authorizedtocompeltheAttendanceofabsentMembers,insuchManner,andundersuchPenaltiesaseach Housemayprovide. EachHousemaydeterminetheRulesofitsProceedings,punishitsMembersfordisorderlyBehaviour,and,with theConcurrenceoftwothirds,expelaMember. EachHouseshallkeepaJournalofitsProceedings,andfromtimetotimepublishthesame,exceptingsuch PartsasmayintheirJudgmentrequireSecrecyandtheYeasandNaysoftheMembersofeitherHouseonany questionshall,attheDesireofonefifthofthosePresent,beenteredontheJournal. NeitherHouse,duringtheSessionofCongress,shall,withouttheConsentoftheother,adjournformorethan threedays,nortoanyotherPlacethanthatinwhichthetwoHousesshallbesitting. Section.6. TheSenatorsandRepresentativesshallreceiveaCompensationfortheirServices,tobeascertainedbyLaw,and paidoutoftheTreasuryoftheUnitedStates.TheyshallinallCases,exceptTreason,FelonyandBreachofthe Peace,beprivilegedfromArrestduringtheirAttendanceattheSessionoftheirrespectiveHouses,andingoingto andreturningfromthesameandforanySpeechorDebateineitherHouse,theyshallnotbequestionedinany otherPlace. NoSenatororRepresentativeshall,duringtheTimeforwhichhewaselected,beappointedtoanycivilOffice undertheAuthorityoftheUnitedStates,whichshallhavebeencreated,ortheEmolumentswhereofshallhave beenencreasedduringsuchtimeandnoPersonholdinganyOfficeundertheUnitedStates,shallbeaMember ofeitherHouseduringhisContinuanceinOffice. Section.7. AllBillsforraisingRevenueshalloriginateintheHouseofRepresentativesbuttheSenatemayproposeorconcur withAmendmentsasonotherBills. EveryBillwhichshallhavepassedtheHouseofRepresentativesandtheSenate,shall,beforeitbecomeaLaw, bepresentedtothePresidentoftheUnitedStates:Ifheapproveheshallsignit,butifnotheshallreturnit,withhis ObjectionstothatHouseinwhichitshallhaveoriginated,whoshallentertheObjectionsatlargeontheirJournal, andproceedtoreconsiderit.IfaftersuchReconsiderationtwothirdsofthatHouseshallagreetopasstheBill,it shallbesent,togetherwiththeObjections,totheotherHouse,bywhichitshalllikewisebereconsidered,andif approvedbytwothirdsofthatHouse,itshallbecomeaLaw.ButinallsuchCasestheVotesofbothHousesshall bedeterminedbyyeasandNays,andtheNamesofthePersonsvotingforandagainsttheBillshallbeenteredon theJournalofeachHouserespectively.IfanyBillshallnotbereturnedbythePresidentwithintenDays(Sundays excepted)afteritshallhavebeenpresentedtohim,theSameshallbeaLaw,inlikeMannerasifhehadsignedit, unlesstheCongressbytheirAdjournmentpreventitsReturn,inwhichCaseitshallnotbeaLaw. EveryOrder,Resolution,orVotetowhichtheConcurrenceoftheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesmaybe necessary(exceptonaquestionofAdjournment)shallbepresentedtothePresidentoftheUnitedStatesand beforetheSameshalltakeEffect,shallbeapprovedbyhim,orbeingdisapprovedbyhim,shallberepassedby twothirdsoftheSenateandHouseofRepresentatives,accordingtotheRulesandLimitationsprescribedinthe CaseofaBill.

Section.8. TheCongressshallhavePowerTolayandcollectTaxes,Duties,ImpostsandExcises,topaytheDebtsand provideforthecommonDefenceandgeneralWelfareoftheUnitedStatesbutallDuties,ImpostsandExcises shallbeuniformthroughouttheUnitedStates ToborrowMoneyonthecreditoftheUnitedStates ToregulateCommercewithforeignNations,andamongtheseveralStates,andwiththeIndianTribes ToestablishanuniformRuleofNaturalization,anduniformLawsonthesubjectofBankruptciesthroughoutthe UnitedStates TocoinMoney,regulatetheValuethereof,andofforeignCoin,andfixtheStandardofWeightsandMeasures ToprovideforthePunishmentofcounterfeitingtheSecuritiesandcurrentCoinoftheUnitedStates ToestablishPostOfficesandpostRoads TopromotetheProgressofScienceandusefulArts,bysecuringforlimitedTimestoAuthorsandInventorsthe exclusiveRighttotheirrespectiveWritingsandDiscoveries ToconstituteTribunalsinferiortothesupremeCourt TodefineandpunishPiraciesandFeloniescommittedonthehighSeas,andOffencesagainsttheLawof Nations TodeclareWar,grantLettersofMarqueandReprisal,andmakeRulesconcerningCapturesonLandandWater ToraiseandsupportArmies,butnoAppropriationofMoneytothatUseshallbeforalongerTermthantwoYears ToprovideandmaintainaNavy TomakeRulesfortheGovernmentandRegulationofthelandandnavalForces ToprovideforcallingforththeMilitiatoexecutetheLawsoftheUnion,suppressInsurrectionsandrepelInvasions Toprovidefororganizing,arming,anddisciplining,theMilitia,andforgoverningsuchPartofthemasmaybe employedintheServiceoftheUnitedStates,reservingtotheStatesrespectively,theAppointmentoftheOfficers, andtheAuthorityoftrainingtheMilitiaaccordingtothedisciplineprescribedbyCongress ToexerciseexclusiveLegislationinallCaseswhatsoever,oversuchDistrict(notexceedingtenMilessquare)as may,byCessionofparticularStates,andtheAcceptanceofCongress,becometheSeatoftheGovernmentofthe UnitedStates,andtoexerciselikeAuthorityoverallPlacespurchasedbytheConsentoftheLegislatureofthe StateinwhichtheSameshallbe,fortheErectionofForts,Magazines,Arsenals,dockYards,andotherneedful BuildingsAnd TomakeallLawswhichshallbenecessaryandproperforcarryingintoExecutiontheforegoingPowers,andall otherPowersvestedbythisConstitutionintheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates,orinanyDepartmentorOfficer thereof. Section.9. TheMigrationorImportationofsuchPersonsasanyoftheStatesnowexistingshallthinkpropertoadmit,shall notbeprohibitedbytheCongresspriortotheYearonethousandeighthundredandeight,butaTaxordutymaybe imposedonsuchImportation,notexceedingtendollarsforeachPerson. ThePrivilegeoftheWritofHabeasCorpusshallnotbesuspended,unlesswheninCasesofRebellionor InvasionthepublicSafetymayrequireit. NoBillofAttainderorexpostfactoLawshallbepassed. NoCapitation,orotherdirect,Taxshallbelaid,unlessinProportiontotheCensusorenumerationhereinbefore directedtobetaken. NoTaxorDutyshallbelaidonArticlesexportedfromanyState. NoPreferenceshallbegivenbyanyRegulationofCommerceorRevenuetothePortsofoneStateoverthoseof anothernorshallVesselsboundto,orfrom,oneState,beobligedtoenter,clear,orpayDutiesinanother. NoMoneyshallbedrawnfromtheTreasury,butinConsequenceofAppropriationsmadebyLawandaregular StatementandAccountoftheReceiptsandExpendituresofallpublicMoneyshallbepublishedfromtimetotime. NoTitleofNobilityshallbegrantedbytheUnitedStates:AndnoPersonholdinganyOfficeofProfitorTrustunder them,shall,withouttheConsentoftheCongress,acceptofanypresent,Emolument,Office,orTitle,ofanykind whatever,fromanyKing,Prince,orforeignState. Section.10.

NoStateshallenterintoanyTreaty,Alliance,orConfederationgrantLettersofMarqueandReprisalcoinMoney emitBillsofCreditmakeanyThingbutgoldandsilverCoinaTenderinPaymentofDebtspassanyBillof Attainder,expostfactoLaw,orLawimpairingtheObligationofContracts,orgrantanyTitleofNobility. NoStateshall,withouttheConsentoftheCongress,layanyImpostsorDutiesonImportsorExports,exceptwhat maybeabsolutelynecessaryforexecutingit'sinspectionLaws:andthenetProduceofallDutiesandImposts,laid byanyStateonImportsorExports,shallbefortheUseoftheTreasuryoftheUnitedStatesandallsuchLaws shallbesubjecttotheRevisionandControuloftheCongress. NoStateshall,withouttheConsentofCongress,layanyDutyofTonnage,keepTroops,orShipsofWarintimeof Peace,enterintoanyAgreementorCompactwithanotherState,orwithaforeignPower,orengageinWar,unless actuallyinvaded,orinsuchimminentDangeraswillnotadmitofdelay.

Article.II.
Section.1. TheexecutivePowershallbevestedinaPresidentoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica.HeshallholdhisOfficeduring theTermoffourYears,and,togetherwiththeVicePresident,chosenforthesameTerm,beelected,asfollows: EachStateshallappoint,insuchMannerastheLegislaturethereofmaydirect,aNumberofElectors,equaltothe wholeNumberofSenatorsandRepresentativestowhichtheStatemaybeentitledintheCongress:butno SenatororRepresentative,orPersonholdinganOfficeofTrustorProfitundertheUnitedStates,shallbe appointedanElector. TheElectorsshallmeetintheirrespectiveStates,andvotebyBallotfortwoPersons,ofwhomoneatleastshall notbeanInhabitantofthesameStatewiththemselves.AndtheyshallmakeaListofallthePersonsvotedfor,and oftheNumberofVotesforeachwhichListtheyshallsignandcertify,andtransmitsealedtotheSeatofthe GovernmentoftheUnitedStates,directedtothePresidentoftheSenate.ThePresidentoftheSenateshall,inthe PresenceoftheSenateandHouseofRepresentatives,openalltheCertificates,andtheVotesshallthenbe counted.ThePersonhavingthegreatestNumberofVotesshallbethePresident,ifsuchNumberbeaMajorityof thewholeNumberofElectorsappointedandiftherebemorethanonewhohavesuchMajority,andhaveanequal NumberofVotes,thentheHouseofRepresentativesshallimmediatelychusebyBallotoneofthemforPresident andifnoPersonhaveaMajority,thenfromthefivehighestontheListthesaidHouseshallinlikeMannerchuse thePresident.ButinchusingthePresident,theVotesshallbetakenbyStates,theRepresentationfromeachState havingoneVoteAquorumforthispurposeshallconsistofaMemberorMembersfromtwothirdsoftheStates, andaMajorityofalltheStatesshallbenecessarytoaChoice.IneveryCase,aftertheChoiceofthePresident,the PersonhavingthegreatestNumberofVotesoftheElectorsshallbetheVicePresident.Butifthereshouldremain twoormorewhohaveequalVotes,theSenateshallchusefromthembyBallottheVicePresident. TheCongressmaydeterminetheTimeofchusingtheElectors,andtheDayonwhichtheyshallgivetheirVotes whichDayshallbethesamethroughouttheUnitedStates. NoPersonexceptanaturalbornCitizen,oraCitizenoftheUnitedStates,atthetimeoftheAdoptionofthis Constitution,shallbeeligibletotheOfficeofPresidentneithershallanyPersonbeeligibletothatOfficewhoshall nothaveattainedtotheAgeofthirtyfiveYears,andbeenfourteenYearsaResidentwithintheUnitedStates. InCaseoftheRemovalofthePresidentfromOffice,orofhisDeath,Resignation,orInabilitytodischargethe PowersandDutiesofthesaidOffice,theSameshalldevolveontheVicePresident,andtheCongressmaybyLaw providefortheCaseofRemoval,Death,ResignationorInability,bothofthePresidentandVicePresident, declaringwhatOfficershallthenactasPresident,andsuchOfficershallactaccordingly,untiltheDisabilitybe removed,oraPresidentshallbeelected. ThePresidentshall,atstatedTimes,receiveforhisServices,aCompensation,whichshallneitherbeincreased nordiminishedduringthePeriodforwhichheshallhavebeenelected,andheshallnotreceivewithinthatPeriod anyotherEmolumentfromtheUnitedStates,oranyofthem. BeforeheenterontheExecutionofhisOffice,heshalltakethefollowingOathorAffirmation:"Idosolemnlyswear (oraffirm)thatIwillfaithfullyexecutetheOfficeofPresidentoftheUnitedStates,andwilltothebestofmyAbility, preserve,protectanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates." Section.2.

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ThePresidentshallbeCommanderinChiefoftheArmyandNavyoftheUnitedStates,andoftheMilitiaofthe severalStates,whencalledintotheactualServiceoftheUnitedStateshemayrequiretheOpinion,inwriting,of theprincipalOfficerineachoftheexecutiveDepartments,uponanySubjectrelatingtotheDutiesoftheirrespective Offices,andheshallhavePowertograntReprievesandPardonsforOffencesagainsttheUnitedStates,exceptin CasesofImpeachment. HeshallhavePower,byandwiththeAdviceandConsentoftheSenate,tomakeTreaties,providedtwothirdsof theSenatorspresentconcurandheshallnominate,andbyandwiththeAdviceandConsentoftheSenate,shall appointAmbassadors,otherpublicMinistersandConsuls,JudgesofthesupremeCourt,andallotherOfficersof theUnitedStates,whoseAppointmentsarenothereinotherwiseprovidedfor,andwhichshallbeestablishedby Law:buttheCongressmaybyLawvesttheAppointmentofsuchinferiorOfficers,astheythinkproper,inthe Presidentalone,intheCourtsofLaw,orintheHeadsofDepartments. ThePresidentshallhavePowertofillupallVacanciesthatmayhappenduringtheRecessoftheSenate,by grantingCommissionswhichshallexpireattheEndoftheirnextSession. Section.3. HeshallfromtimetotimegivetotheCongressInformationoftheStateoftheUnion,andrecommendtotheir ConsiderationsuchMeasuresasheshalljudgenecessaryandexpedienthemay,onextraordinaryOccasions, convenebothHouses,oreitherofthem,andinCaseofDisagreementbetweenthem,withRespecttotheTimeof Adjournment,hemayadjournthemtosuchTimeasheshallthinkproperheshallreceiveAmbassadorsand otherpublicMinistersheshalltakeCarethattheLawsbefaithfullyexecuted,andshallCommissionallthe OfficersoftheUnitedStates. Section.4. ThePresident,VicePresidentandallcivilOfficersoftheUnitedStates,shallberemovedfromOfficeon Impeachmentfor,andConvictionof,Treason,Bribery,orotherhighCrimesandMisdemeanors.

ArticleIII.
Section.1. ThejudicialPoweroftheUnitedStatesshallbevestedinonesupremeCourt,andinsuchinferiorCourtsasthe Congressmayfromtimetotimeordainandestablish.TheJudges,bothofthesupremeandinferiorCourts,shall holdtheirOfficesduringgoodBehaviour,andshall,atstatedTimes,receivefortheirServicesaCompensation, whichshallnotbediminishedduringtheirContinuanceinOffice. Section.2. ThejudicialPowershallextendtoallCases,inLawandEquity,arisingunderthisConstitution,theLawsofthe UnitedStates,andTreatiesmade,orwhichshallbemade,undertheirAuthoritytoallCasesaffecting Ambassadors,otherpublicMinistersandConsulstoallCasesofadmiraltyandmaritimeJurisdictionto ControversiestowhichtheUnitedStatesshallbeaPartytoControversiesbetweentwoormoreStatesbetween aStateandCitizensofanotherState,betweenCitizensofdifferentStates,betweenCitizensofthesameState claimingLandsunderGrantsofdifferentStates,andbetweenaState,ortheCitizensthereof,andforeignStates, CitizensorSubjects. InallCasesaffectingAmbassadors,otherpublicMinistersandConsuls,andthoseinwhichaStateshallbeParty, thesupremeCourtshallhaveoriginalJurisdiction.InalltheotherCasesbeforementioned,thesupremeCourt shallhaveappellateJurisdiction,bothastoLawandFact,withsuchExceptions,andundersuchRegulationsas theCongressshallmake. TheTrialofallCrimes,exceptinCasesofImpeachment,shallbebyJuryandsuchTrialshallbeheldintheState wherethesaidCrimesshallhavebeencommittedbutwhennotcommittedwithinanyState,theTrialshallbeat suchPlaceorPlacesastheCongressmaybyLawhavedirected. Section.3. TreasonagainsttheUnitedStates,shallconsistonlyinlevyingWaragainstthem,orinadheringtotheirEnemies, givingthemAidandComfort.NoPersonshallbeconvictedofTreasonunlessontheTestimonyoftwoWitnesses tothesameovertAct,oronConfessioninopenCourt. TheCongressshallhavePowertodeclarethePunishmentofTreason,butnoAttainderofTreasonshallwork

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CorruptionofBlood,orForfeitureexceptduringtheLifeofthePersonattainted.

Article.IV.
Section.1. FullFaithandCreditshallbegivenineachStatetothepublicActs,Records,andjudicialProceedingsofevery otherState.AndtheCongressmaybygeneralLawsprescribetheMannerinwhichsuchActs,Recordsand Proceedingsshallbeproved,andtheEffectthereof. Section.2. TheCitizensofeachStateshallbeentitledtoallPrivilegesandImmunitiesofCitizensintheseveralStates. APersonchargedinanyStatewithTreason,Felony,orotherCrime,whoshallfleefromJustice,andbefoundin anotherState,shallonDemandoftheexecutiveAuthorityoftheStatefromwhichhefled,bedeliveredup,tobe removedtotheStatehavingJurisdictionoftheCrime. NoPersonheldtoServiceorLabourinoneState,undertheLawsthereof,escapingintoanother,shall,in ConsequenceofanyLaworRegulationtherein,bedischargedfromsuchServiceorLabour,butshallbedelivered uponClaimofthePartytowhomsuchServiceorLabourmaybedue. Section.3. NewStatesmaybeadmittedbytheCongressintothisUnionbutnonewStateshallbeformedorerectedwithin theJurisdictionofanyotherStatenoranyStatebeformedbytheJunctionoftwoormoreStates,orPartsofStates, withouttheConsentoftheLegislaturesoftheStatesconcernedaswellasoftheCongress. TheCongressshallhavePowertodisposeofandmakeallneedfulRulesandRegulationsrespectingthe TerritoryorotherPropertybelongingtotheUnitedStatesandnothinginthisConstitutionshallbesoconstruedas toPrejudiceanyClaimsoftheUnitedStates,orofanyparticularState. Section.4. TheUnitedStatesshallguaranteetoeveryStateinthisUnionaRepublicanFormofGovernment,andshallprotect eachofthemagainstInvasionandonApplicationoftheLegislature,oroftheExecutive(whentheLegislature cannotbeconvened),againstdomesticViolence.

Article.V.
TheCongress,whenevertwothirdsofbothHousesshalldeemitnecessary,shallproposeAmendmentstothis Constitution,or,ontheApplicationoftheLegislaturesoftwothirdsoftheseveralStates,shallcallaConventionfor proposingAmendments,which,ineitherCase,shallbevalidtoallIntentsandPurposes,asPartofthis Constitution,whenratifiedbytheLegislaturesofthreefourthsoftheseveralStates,orbyConventionsinthree fourthsthereof,astheoneortheotherModeofRatificationmaybeproposedbytheCongressProvidedthatno AmendmentwhichmaybemadepriortotheYearOnethousandeighthundredandeightshallinanyManneraffect thefirstandfourthClausesintheNinthSectionofthefirstArticleandthatnoState,withoutitsConsent,shallbe deprivedofitsequalSuffrageintheSenate.

Article.VI.
AllDebtscontractedandEngagementsenteredinto,beforetheAdoptionofthisConstitution,shallbeasvalid againsttheUnitedStatesunderthisConstitution,asundertheConfederation. ThisConstitution,andtheLawsoftheUnitedStateswhichshallbemadeinPursuancethereofandallTreaties made,orwhichshallbemade,undertheAuthorityoftheUnitedStates,shallbethesupremeLawoftheLandand theJudgesineveryStateshallbeboundthereby,anyThingintheConstitutionorLawsofanyStatetotheContrary notwithstanding. TheSenatorsandRepresentativesbeforementioned,andtheMembersoftheseveralStateLegislatures,andall executiveandjudicialOfficers,bothoftheUnitedStatesandoftheseveralStates,shallbeboundbyOathor Affirmation,tosupportthisConstitutionbutnoreligiousTestshalleverberequiredasaQualificationtoanyOffice orpublicTrustundertheUnitedStates.

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Article.VII.
TheRatificationoftheConventionsofnineStates,shallbesufficientfortheEstablishmentofthisConstitution betweentheStatessoratifyingtheSame. TheWord,"the,"beinginterlinedbetweentheseventhandeighthLinesofthefirstPage,theWord"Thirty"being partlywrittenonanErazureinthefifteenthLineofthefirstPage,TheWords"istried"beinginterlinedbetweenthe thirtysecondandthirtythirdLinesofthefirstPageandtheWord"the"beinginterlinedbetweenthefortythirdand fortyfourthLinesofthesecondPage. AttestWilliamJacksonSecretary doneinConventionbytheUnanimousConsentoftheStatespresenttheSeventeenthDayofSeptemberinthe YearofourLordonethousandsevenhundredandEightysevenandoftheIndependanceoftheUnitedStatesof AmericatheTwelfthInwitnesswhereofWehave hereuntosubscribedourNames, G.Washington PresidentanddeputyfromVirginia Delaware Geo:Read GunningBedfordjun JohnDickinson RichardBassett Jaco:Broom Maryland JamesMcHenry DanofStThos.Jenifer Danl.Carroll Virginia JohnBlair JamesMadisonJr. NorthCarolina Wm.Blount Richd.DobbsSpaight HuWilliamson SouthCarolina J.Rutledge CharlesCotesworthPinckney CharlesPinckney PierceButler Georgia WilliamFew AbrBaldwin NewHampshire JohnLangdon NicholasGilman Massachusetts NathanielGorham RufusKing Connecticut Wm.Saml.Johnson RogerSherman NewYork

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AlexanderHamilton

ThePreambletoTheBillofRights
CongressoftheUnitedStates begunandheldattheCityofNewYork,on WednesdaythefourthofMarch,onethousandsevenhundredandeightynine. THEConventionsofanumberoftheStates,havingatthetimeoftheiradoptingthe Constitution,expressedadesire,inordertopreventmisconstructionorabuseofits powers,thatfurtherdeclaratoryandrestrictiveclausesshouldbeadded:Andas extendingthegroundofpublicconfidenceinthe Government,willbestensurethebeneficentendsof itsinstitution. RESOLVEDbytheSenateandHouseof RepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,in Congressassembled,twothirdsofbothHouses concurring,thatthefollowingArticlesbeproposed totheLegislaturesoftheseveralStates,as amendmentstotheConstitutionoftheUnited States,all,oranyofwhichArticles,whenratified bythreefourthsofthesaidLegislatures,tobevalid toallintentsandpurposes,aspartofthesaid Constitutionviz. ARTICLESinadditionto,andAmendmentofthe ConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica, proposedbyCongress,andratifiedbythe LegislaturesoftheseveralStates,pursuanttothe fifthArticleoftheoriginalConstitution.

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TheBillofRights:ATranscription
ThePreambletoTheBillofRights CongressoftheUnitedStates begunandheldattheCityofNewYork,on WednesdaythefourthofMarch,onethousandsevenhundredandeightynine. THEConventionsofanumberoftheStates,havingatthetimeoftheiradoptingtheConstitution,expresseda desire,inordertopreventmisconstructionorabuseofitspowers,thatfurtherdeclaratoryandrestrictive clausesshouldbeadded:AndasextendingthegroundofpublicconfidenceintheGovernment,willbest ensurethebeneficentendsofitsinstitution. RESOLVEDbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,inCongress assembled,twothirdsofbothHousesconcurring,thatthefollowingArticlesbeproposedtotheLegislatures oftheseveralStates,asamendmentstotheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates,all,oranyofwhichArticles, whenratifiedbythreefourthsofthesaidLegislatures,tobevalidtoallintentsandpurposes,aspartofthe saidConstitutionviz. ARTICLESinadditionto,andAmendmentoftheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,proposedby Congress,andratifiedbytheLegislaturesoftheseveralStates,pursuanttothefifthArticleoftheoriginal Constitution. Note:ThefollowingtextisatranscriptionofthefirsttenamendmentstotheConstitutionintheiroriginalform. TheseamendmentswereratifiedDecember15,1791,andformwhatisknownasthe"BillofRights."

AmendmentI
Congressshallmakenolawrespectinganestablishmentofreligion,orprohibitingthefreeexercisethereofor abridgingthefreedomofspeech,orofthepressortherightofthepeoplepeaceablytoassemble,andto petitiontheGovernmentforaredressofgrievances.

AmendmentII
AwellregulatedMilitia,beingnecessarytothesecurityofafreeState,therightofthepeopletokeepandbear

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Arms,shallnotbeinfringed.

AmendmentIII
NoSoldiershall,intimeofpeacebequarteredinanyhouse,withouttheconsentoftheOwner,norintimeof war,butinamannertobeprescribedbylaw.

AmendmentIV
Therightofthepeopletobesecureintheirpersons,houses,papers,andeffects,againstunreasonable searchesandseizures,shallnotbeviolated,andnoWarrantsshallissue,butuponprobablecause,supported byOathoraffirmation,andparticularlydescribingtheplacetobesearched,andthepersonsorthingstobe seized.

AmendmentV
Nopersonshallbeheldtoanswerforacapital,orotherwiseinfamouscrime,unlessonapresentmentor indictmentofaGrandJury,exceptincasesarisinginthelandornavalforces,orintheMilitia,wheninactual serviceintimeofWarorpublicdangernorshallanypersonbesubjectforthesameoffencetobetwiceputin jeopardyoflifeorlimbnorshallbecompelledinanycriminalcasetobeawitnessagainsthimself,norbe deprivedoflife,liberty,orproperty,withoutdueprocessoflawnorshallprivatepropertybetakenforpublic use,withoutjustcompensation.

AmendmentVI
Inallcriminalprosecutions,theaccusedshallenjoytherighttoaspeedyandpublictrial,byanimpartialjuryof theStateanddistrictwhereinthecrimeshallhavebeencommitted,whichdistrictshallhavebeenpreviously ascertainedbylaw,andtobeinformedofthenatureandcauseoftheaccusationtobeconfrontedwiththe witnessesagainsthimtohavecompulsoryprocessforobtainingwitnessesinhisfavor,andtohavethe AssistanceofCounselforhisdefence.

AmendmentVII
InSuitsatcommonlaw,wherethevalueincontroversyshallexceedtwentydollars,therightoftrialbyjury shallbepreserved,andnofacttriedbyajury,shallbeotherwisereexaminedinanyCourtoftheUnitedStates, thanaccordingtotherulesofthecommonlaw.

AmendmentVIII
Excessivebailshallnotberequired,norexcessivefinesimposed,norcruelandunusualpunishmentsinflicted.

AmendmentIX
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TheenumerationintheConstitution,ofcertainrights,shallnotbeconstruedtodenyordisparageothers retainedbythepeople.

AmendmentX
ThepowersnotdelegatedtotheUnitedStatesbytheConstitution,norprohibitedbyittotheStates,are reservedtotheStatesrespectively,ortothepeople.

AMENDMENTXI
PassedbyCongressMarch4,1794.RatifiedFebruary7,1795. Note:ArticleIII,section2,oftheConstitutionwasmodifiedbyamendment11. TheJudicialpoweroftheUnitedStatesshallnotbeconstruedtoextendtoanysuitinlaworequity,commencedor prosecutedagainstoneoftheUnitedStatesbyCitizensofanotherState,orbyCitizensorSubjectsofanyForeign State.

AMENDMENTXII
PassedbyCongressDecember9,1803.RatifiedJune15,1804. Note:AportionofArticleII,section1oftheConstitutionwassupersededbythe12thamendment. TheElectorsshallmeetintheirrespectivestatesandvotebyballotforPresidentandVicePresident,oneofwhom,at least,shallnotbeaninhabitantofthesamestatewiththemselvestheyshallnameintheirballotsthepersonvoted forasPresident,andindistinctballotsthepersonvotedforasVicePresident,andtheyshallmakedistinctlistsofall personsvotedforasPresident,andofallpersonsvotedforasVicePresident,andofthenumberofvotesforeach, whichliststheyshallsignandcertify,andtransmitsealedtotheseatofthegovernmentoftheUnitedStates, directedtothePresidentoftheSenatethePresidentoftheSenateshall,inthepresenceoftheSenateandHouse ofRepresentatives,openallthecertificatesandthevotesshallthenbecountedThepersonhavingthegreatest numberofvotesforPresident,shallbethePresident,ifsuchnumberbeamajorityofthewholenumberofElectors appointedandifnopersonhavesuchmajority,thenfromthepersonshavingthehighestnumbersnotexceeding threeonthelistofthosevotedforasPresident,theHouseofRepresentativesshallchooseimmediately,byballot, thePresident.ButinchoosingthePresident,thevotesshallbetakenbystates,therepresentationfromeachstate havingonevoteaquorumforthispurposeshallconsistofamemberormembersfromtwothirdsofthestates,anda majorityofallthestatesshallbenecessarytoachoice.[AndiftheHouseofRepresentativesshallnotchoosea Presidentwhenevertherightofchoiceshalldevolveuponthem,beforethefourthdayofMarchnextfollowing,then theVicePresidentshallactasPresident,asincaseofthedeathorotherconstitutionaldisabilityofthePresident.]* ThepersonhavingthegreatestnumberofvotesasVicePresident,shallbetheVicePresident,ifsuchnumberbea majorityofthewholenumberofElectorsappointed,andifnopersonhaveamajority,thenfromthetwohighest numbersonthelist,theSenateshallchoosetheVicePresidentaquorumforthepurposeshallconsistoftwothirds ofthewholenumberofSenators,andamajorityofthewholenumbershallbenecessarytoachoice.Butnoperson constitutionallyineligibletotheofficeofPresidentshallbeeligibletothatofVicePresidentoftheUnitedStates. *Supersededbysection3ofthe20thamendment.

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AMENDMENTXIII
PassedbyCongressJanuary31,1865.RatifiedDecember6,1865. Note:AportionofArticleIV,section2,oftheConstitutionwassupersededbythe13thamendment. Section1. Neitherslaverynorinvoluntaryservitude,exceptasapunishmentforcrimewhereofthepartyshallhavebeenduly convicted,shallexistwithintheUnitedStates,oranyplacesubjecttotheirjurisdiction. Section2. Congressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

AMENDMENTXIV
PassedbyCongressJune13,1866.RatifiedJuly9,1868. Note:ArticleI,section2,oftheConstitutionwasmodifiedbysection2ofthe14thamendment. Section1. AllpersonsbornornaturalizedintheUnitedStates,andsubjecttothejurisdictionthereof,arecitizensoftheUnited StatesandoftheStatewhereintheyreside.NoStateshallmakeorenforceanylawwhichshallabridgetheprivileges orimmunitiesofcitizensoftheUnitedStatesnorshallanyStatedepriveanypersonoflife,liberty,orproperty, withoutdueprocessoflawnordenytoanypersonwithinitsjurisdictiontheequalprotectionofthelaws. Section2. RepresentativesshallbeapportionedamongtheseveralStatesaccordingtotheirrespectivenumbers,countingthe wholenumberofpersonsineachState,excludingIndiansnottaxed.Butwhentherighttovoteatanyelectionforthe choiceofelectorsforPresidentandVicePresidentoftheUnitedStates,RepresentativesinCongress,theExecutive andJudicialofficersofaState,orthemembersoftheLegislaturethereof,isdeniedtoanyofthemaleinhabitantsof suchState,beingtwentyoneyearsofage,*andcitizensoftheUnitedStates,orinanywayabridged,exceptfor participationinrebellion,orothercrime,thebasisofrepresentationthereinshallbereducedintheproportionwhich thenumberofsuchmalecitizensshallbeartothewholenumberofmalecitizenstwentyoneyearsofageinsuch State. Section3. NopersonshallbeaSenatororRepresentativeinCongress,orelectorofPresidentandVicePresident,orholdany office,civilormilitary,undertheUnitedStates,orunderanyState,who,havingpreviouslytakenanoath,asa memberofCongress,orasanofficeroftheUnitedStates,orasamemberofanyStatelegislature,orasanexecutive orjudicialofficerofanyState,tosupporttheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates,shallhaveengagedininsurrectionor rebellionagainstthesame,orgivenaidorcomforttotheenemiesthereof.ButCongressmaybyavoteoftwothirds ofeachHouse,removesuchdisability. Section4. ThevalidityofthepublicdebtoftheUnitedStates,authorizedbylaw,includingdebtsincurredforpaymentof pensionsandbountiesforservicesinsuppressinginsurrectionorrebellion,shallnotbequestioned.Butneitherthe UnitedStatesnoranyStateshallassumeorpayanydebtorobligationincurredinaidofinsurrectionorrebellion againsttheUnitedStates,oranyclaimforthelossoremancipationofanyslavebutallsuchdebts,obligationsand

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claimsshallbeheldillegalandvoid. Section5. TheCongressshallhavethepowertoenforce,byappropriatelegislation,theprovisionsofthisarticle. *Changedbysection1ofthe26thamendment.

AMENDMENTXV
PassedbyCongressFebruary26,1869.RatifiedFebruary3,1870. Section1. TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStatestovoteshallnotbedeniedorabridgedbytheUnitedStatesorbyanyState onaccountofrace,color,orpreviousconditionofservitude Section2. TheCongressshallhavethepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

AMENDMENTXVI
PassedbyCongressJuly2,1909.RatifiedFebruary3,1913. Note:ArticleI,section9,oftheConstitutionwasmodifiedbyamendment16. TheCongressshallhavepowertolayandcollecttaxesonincomes,fromwhateversourcederived,without apportionmentamongtheseveralStates,andwithoutregardtoanycensusorenumeration.

AMENDMENTXVII
PassedbyCongressMay13,1912.RatifiedApril8,1913. Note:ArticleI,section3,oftheConstitutionwasmodifiedbythe17thamendment. TheSenateoftheUnitedStatesshallbecomposedoftwoSenatorsfromeachState,electedbythepeoplethereof, forsixyearsandeachSenatorshallhaveonevote.TheelectorsineachStateshallhavethequalificationsrequisite forelectorsofthemostnumerousbranchoftheStatelegislatures. WhenvacancieshappenintherepresentationofanyStateintheSenate,theexecutiveauthorityofsuchStateshall issuewritsofelectiontofillsuchvacancies:Provided,ThatthelegislatureofanyStatemayempowertheexecutive thereoftomaketemporaryappointmentsuntilthepeoplefillthevacanciesbyelectionasthelegislaturemaydirect. ThisamendmentshallnotbesoconstruedastoaffecttheelectionortermofanySenatorchosenbeforeitbecomes validaspartoftheConstitution.

AMENDMENTXVIII
PassedbyCongressDecember18,1917.RatifiedJanuary16,1919.Repealedbyamendment21.

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Section1. Afteroneyearfromtheratificationofthisarticlethemanufacture,sale,ortransportationofintoxicatingliquors within,theimportationthereofinto,ortheexportationthereoffromtheUnitedStatesandallterritorysubjecttothe jurisdictionthereofforbeveragepurposesisherebyprohibited. Section2. TheCongressandtheseveralStatesshallhaveconcurrentpowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation. Section3. ThisarticleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeenratifiedasanamendmenttotheConstitutionbythe legislaturesoftheseveralStates,asprovidedintheConstitution,withinsevenyearsfromthedateofthesubmission hereoftotheStatesbytheCongress.

AMENDMENTXIX
PassedbyCongressJune4,1919.RatifiedAugust18,1920. TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStatestovoteshallnotbedeniedorabridgedbytheUnitedStatesorbyanyState onaccountofsex. Congressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

AMENDMENTXX
PassedbyCongressMarch2,1932.RatifiedJanuary23,1933. Note:ArticleI,section4,oftheConstitutionwasmodifiedbysection2ofthisamendment.Inaddition,aportionof the12thamendmentwassupersededbysection3. Section1. ThetermsofthePresidentandtheVicePresidentshallendatnoononthe20thdayofJanuary,andthetermsof SenatorsandRepresentativesatnoononthe3rddayofJanuary,oftheyearsinwhichsuchtermswouldhaveended ifthisarticlehadnotbeenratifiedandthetermsoftheirsuccessorsshallthenbegin. Section2. TheCongressshallassembleatleastonceineveryyear,andsuchmeetingshallbeginatnoononthe3ddayof January,unlesstheyshallbylawappointadifferentday. Section3. If,atthetimefixedforthebeginningofthetermofthePresident,thePresidentelectshallhavedied,theVice PresidentelectshallbecomePresident.IfaPresidentshallnothavebeenchosenbeforethetimefixedforthe beginningofhisterm,orifthePresidentelectshallhavefailedtoqualify,thentheVicePresidentelectshallactas PresidentuntilaPresidentshallhavequalifiedandtheCongressmaybylawprovideforthecasewhereinneithera PresidentelectnoraVicePresidentshallhavequalified,declaringwhoshallthenactasPresident,orthemannerin whichonewhoistoactshallbeselected,andsuchpersonshallactaccordinglyuntilaPresidentorVicePresident shallhavequalified.

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Section4. TheCongressmaybylawprovideforthecaseofthedeathofanyofthepersonsfromwhomtheHouseof RepresentativesmaychooseaPresidentwhenevertherightofchoiceshallhavedevolveduponthem,andforthe caseofthedeathofanyofthepersonsfromwhomtheSenatemaychooseaVicePresidentwhenevertherightof choiceshallhavedevolveduponthem.

Section5. Sections1and2shalltakeeffectonthe15thdayofOctoberfollowingtheratificationofthisarticle. Section6. ThisarticleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeenratifiedasanamendmenttotheConstitutionbythe legislaturesofthreefourthsoftheseveralStateswithinsevenyearsfromthedateofitssubmission.

AMENDMENTXXI
PassedbyCongressFebruary20,1933.RatifiedDecember5,1933. Section1. TheeighteentharticleofamendmenttotheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesisherebyrepealed. Section2. ThetransportationorimportationintoanyState,Territory,orPossessionoftheUnitedStatesfordeliveryoruse thereinofintoxicatingliquors,inviolationofthelawsthereof,isherebyprohibited. Section3. ThisarticleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeenratifiedasanamendmenttotheConstitutionby conventionsintheseveralStates,asprovidedintheConstitution,withinsevenyearsfromthedateofthe submissionhereoftotheStatesbytheCongress.

AMENDMENTXXII
PassedbyCongressMarch21,1947.RatifiedFebruary27,1951. Section1. NopersonshallbeelectedtotheofficeofthePresidentmorethantwice,andnopersonwhohasheldtheofficeof President,oractedasPresident,formorethantwoyearsofatermtowhichsomeotherpersonwaselectedPresident shallbeelectedtotheofficeofPresidentmorethanonce.ButthisArticleshallnotapplytoanypersonholdingthe officeofPresidentwhenthisArticlewasproposedbyCongress,andshallnotpreventanypersonwhomaybe holdingtheofficeofPresident,oractingasPresident,duringthetermwithinwhichthisArticlebecomesoperative fromholdingtheofficeofPresidentoractingasPresidentduringtheremainderofsuchterm. Section2.

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ThisarticleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeenratifiedasanamendmenttotheConstitutionbythe legislaturesofthreefourthsoftheseveralStateswithinsevenyearsfromthedateofitssubmissiontotheStatesby theCongress.

AMENDMENTXXIII
PassedbyCongressJune16,1960.RatifiedMarch29,1961. Section1. TheDistrictconstitutingtheseatofGovernmentoftheUnitedStatesshallappointinsuchmannerasCongressmay direct: AnumberofelectorsofPresidentandVicePresidentequaltothewholenumberofSenatorsandRepresentativesin CongresstowhichtheDistrictwouldbeentitledifitwereaState,butinnoeventmorethantheleastpopulousState theyshallbeinadditiontothoseappointedbytheStates,buttheyshallbeconsidered,forthepurposesofthe electionofPresidentandVicePresident,tobeelectorsappointedbyaStateandtheyshallmeetintheDistrictand performsuchdutiesasprovidedbythetwelftharticleofamendment. Section2. TheCongressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

AMENDMENTXXIV
PassedbyCongressAugust27,1962.RatifiedJanuary23,1964. Section1. TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStatestovoteinanyprimaryorotherelectionforPresidentorVicePresident,for electorsforPresidentorVicePresident,orforSenatororRepresentativeinCongress,shallnotbedeniedorabridged bytheUnitedStatesoranyStatebyreasonoffailuretopaypolltaxorothertax. Section2. TheCongressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

AMENDMENTXXV
PassedbyCongressJuly6,1965.RatifiedFebruary10,1967. Note:ArticleII,section1,oftheConstitutionwasaffectedbythe25thamendment. Section1. IncaseoftheremovalofthePresidentfromofficeorofhisdeathorresignation,theVicePresidentshallbecome President. Section2. WheneverthereisavacancyintheofficeoftheVicePresident,thePresidentshallnominateaVicePresidentwho shalltakeofficeuponconfirmationbyamajorityvoteofbothHousesofCongress.

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Section3. WheneverthePresidenttransmitstothePresidentprotemporeoftheSenateandtheSpeakeroftheHouseof Representativeshiswrittendeclarationthatheisunabletodischargethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice,anduntilhe transmitstothemawrittendeclarationtothecontrary,suchpowersanddutiesshallbedischargedbytheVice PresidentasActingPresident. Section4. WhenevertheVicePresidentandamajorityofeithertheprincipalofficersoftheexecutivedepartmentsorofsuch otherbodyasCongressmaybylawprovide,transmittothePresidentprotemporeoftheSenateandtheSpeakerof theHouseofRepresentativestheirwrittendeclarationthatthePresidentisunabletodischargethepowersand dutiesofhisoffice,theVicePresidentshallimmediatelyassumethepowersanddutiesoftheofficeasActing President. Thereafter,whenthePresidenttransmitstothePresidentprotemporeoftheSenateandtheSpeakeroftheHouseof Representativeshiswrittendeclarationthatnoinabilityexists,heshallresumethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice unlesstheVicePresidentandamajorityofeithertheprincipalofficersoftheexecutivedepartmentorofsuchother bodyasCongressmaybylawprovide,transmitwithinfourdaystothePresidentprotemporeoftheSenateandthe SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativestheirwrittendeclarationthatthePresidentisunabletodischargethe powersanddutiesofhisoffice.ThereuponCongressshalldecidetheissue,assemblingwithinfortyeighthoursfor thatpurposeifnotinsession.IftheCongress,withintwentyonedaysafterreceiptofthelatterwrittendeclaration, or,ifCongressisnotinsession,withintwentyonedaysafterCongressisrequiredtoassemble,determinesby twothirdsvoteofbothHousesthatthePresidentisunabletodischargethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice,theVice PresidentshallcontinuetodischargethesameasActingPresidentotherwise,thePresidentshallresumethepowers anddutiesofhisoffice.

AMENDMENTXXVI
PassedbyCongressMarch23,1971.RatifiedJuly1,1971. Note:Amendment14,section2,oftheConstitutionwasmodifiedbysection1ofthe26thamendment. Section1. TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStates,whoareeighteenyearsofageorolder,tovoteshallnotbedeniedor abridgedbytheUnitedStatesorbyanyStateonaccountofage. Section2. TheCongressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

AMENDMENTXXVII
OriginallyproposedSept.25,1789.RatifiedMay7,1992. Nolaw,varyingthecompensationfortheservicesoftheSenatorsandRepresentatives,shalltakeeffect,untilan electionofrepresentativesshallhaveintervened.

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CIVILLIBERTIESACTOF1988 EnactedbytheUnitedStatesCongress August10,1988 TheCongressrecognizesthat,asdescribedintheCommissiononWartimeRelocationand InternmentofCivilians,agraveinjusticewasdonetobothcitizensandpermanentresidentsof Japaneseancestrybytheevacuation,relocation,andinternmentofciviliansduringWorldWarII. AstheCommissiondocuments,theseactionswerecarriedoutwithoutadequatesecurity reasonsandwithoutanyactsofespionageorsabotagedocumentedbytheCommission,and weremotivatedlargelybyracialprejudice,wartimehysteria,andafailureofpoliticalleadership. TheexcludedindividualsofJapaneseancestrysufferedenormousdamages,bothmaterialand intangible,andtherewereincalculablelossesineducationandjobtraining,allofwhichresulted insignificanthumansufferingforwhichappropriatecompensationhasnotbeenmade. Forthesefundamentalviolationsofthebasiccivillibertiesandconstitutionalrightsofthese individualsofJapaneseancestry,theCongressapologizesonbehalfoftheNation.

BasedonthefindingsoftheCommissiononWartimeRelocationandInternmentofCivilians (CWRIC),thepurposesoftheCivilLibertiesActof1988withrespecttopersonsofJapanese ancestryincludedthefollowing: 1)Toacknowledgethefundamentalinjusticeoftheevacuation,relocationandinternmentof citizensandpermanentresidentaliensofJapaneseancestryduringWorldWarII 2)ToapologizeonbehalfofthepeopleoftheUnitedStatesfortheevacuation,internment,and relocationsofsuchcitizensandpermanentresidingaliens 3)Toprovideforapubliceducationfundtofinanceeffortstoinformthepublicaboutthe internmentsoastopreventtherecurrenceofanysimilarevent 4)TomakerestitutiontothoseindividualsofJapaneseancestrywhowereinterned 5)TomakemorecredibleandsincereanydeclarationofconcernbytheUnitedStatesover violationsofhumanrightscommittedbyothernations.

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ThefollowinglettersconstitutethecompletecorrespondencebetweenanexecutiveoftheCocaColacompanyanda representativeofGrovePress.

Mr.R.W.Seaver ExecutiveVicePresident GrovePress,Inc. 214MercerStreet NewYork,NewYork10012 March25,1970 DearMr.Seaver: SeveralpeoplehavecalledtoourattentionyouradvertisementforDiaryofaHarlemSchoolteacherbyJimHaskins, whichappearedintheNewYorkTimesMarch3,1970.ThethemeoftheadisThisbookislikeaweapon...it'sthereal thing. SinceourcompanyhasmadeuseofIt'stheRealThingtoadvertiseCocaColalongpriortothepublicationofthe book,wearewritingtoaskyoutostopusingthisthemeorsloganinconnectionwiththebook. Webelieveyouwillagreethatitisundesirableforourcompaniestomakesimultaneoususeoftherealthingin connectionwithourrespectiveproducts.Therewillalwaysbelikelihoodofconfusionastothesourceor sponsorshipofthegoods,andtheusebysuchprominentcompanieswoulddilutethedistinctivenessofthetrade slogananddiminishitseffectivenessandvalueasanadvertisingandmerchandisingtool.

It'stheRealThingwasfirstusedinadvertisingforCocaColaovertwentysevenyearsagotorefertoourproduct.
Wefirstuseditinprintadvertisingin1942andextendedittooutdooradvertising,includingpaintedwallssomeof whicharestilldisplayedthroughoutthecountry.ThelinehasappearedinadvertisingforCocaColaduring succeedingyears.Forexample,in1954weusedThere'sthisaboutCokeYouCan'tBeattheRealThingin nationaladvertising.WeresumednationaluseofIt'stheRealThinginthesummerof1969anditisourmainthrust for1970. Pleaseexcusemywritingsofully,butIwantedtoexplainwhywefeelitnecessarytoaskyouandyourassociatesto useanotherlinetoadvertiseMr.Haskin'sbook. WeappreciateyourcooperationandyourassurancethatyouwilldiscontinuetheuseofIt'stherealthing. Sincerely,

IraC.Herbert

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Mr.IraCHerbert CocaColaUSA P.O.Drawer1734 Atlanta,Georgia30301 March31,1970 DearMr.Herbert: ThankyouforyourletterofMarch25th,whichhasjustreachedme,doubtlessbecauseofthemailstrike. WenotewithsympathyyourfeelingthatyouhaveaproprietaryinterestinthephraseIt'stherealthing,andIcan fullyunderstandthatthepublicmightbeconfusedbyouruseoftheexpression,andmistakeabookbyaHarlem schoolteacherforasixpackofCocaCola.Accordingly,wehaveinstructedalloursalesmentonotifybookstoresthat wheneveracustomercomesinandasksforacopyofDiaryofaHarlemSchoolteachertheyshouldrequestthe salespersonneltomakesurethatwhatthecustomerwantsisthebook,ratherthanaCoke.This,wethink,should protectyourinterestandinnowayharmours. Wewouldcertainlynotwanttodilutethedistinctivenessofyourtradeslogannordiminishitseffectivenessasan advertisingandmerchandisingtool,butitdidnotoccurtousthatsincethesloganissocloselyidentifiedwithyour product,thosewhoreadouradmaywelltendtogooutandbuyaCokeratherthanourbook.Wehavediscussed thisprobleminanexecutivecommitteemeeting,andbyavoteofseventosixdecidedthat,evenifthiswerethecase, wewouldbehappytogiveCoketheresidualbenefitofouradvertising. Problemsnotunsimilartotheonesyouraiseinyourletterhaveoccurredtousinthepast.Youmayrecallthatwe publishedGamesPeoplePlaywhichbecameoneofthebiggestnonfictionbestsellersofalltime,andspawned consciousimitations(GamesChildrenPlay,GamesPsychiatristsPlay,GamesMinistersPlay,etc.).Iamsureyou willagreethatthisposedafarmoredirectanddeadlythreattoboththeauthorandourselvesthatouruseofIt'sthe realthing.Further,GamesPeoplePlayhasbecomepartofourlanguage,andoneseesitconstantlyinadvertising, asanewspaperheadline,etc.Thesameistrueofanotherbookwhichwepublishedsixorsevenyearsago,One HundredDollarMisunderstanding. GivenourstrongsentimentsconcerningtheFirstAmendment,wewilldefendtothedeathyourrighttouseIt'sthe realthinginanyadvertisingyoucareto.Wewouldhopeyouwoulddothesameforus,especiallywhennoone hereinouradvertisingagency,Iamsorrytosay,realizedthatyouownedthephrase.Weweremerelyquotinginour adsPeterS.Prescott'sreviewofDiaryofaHarlemSchoolteacherinLookwhichbeginsDiaryofaHarlem Schoolteacheristherealthing,ashort,spare,honestbookwhichwill,Isuspect,bereadagenerationhenceasa classic.... Withallbestwishes, Sincerelyyours,

RichardSeaver

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IAmVeryReal

In October of 1973, Bruce Severy a 26-year-old English teacher at Drake High School, North Dakota decided to use Kurt Vonnegut's novel,Slaughterhouse-Five, as a teaching aid in his classroom. The next month, on November 7th, the head of the school board, Charles McCarthy, demanded that all 32 copies be burned in the school's furnace as a result of its "obscene language." Other books soon met with the same fate.

On the 16th of November, Kurt Vonnegut sent McCarthy the following letter. He didn't receive a reply.

(Source: Palm Sunday: An Autobiographical Collage; Image: Kurt Vonnegut, via Everything was Vonnegut.)

November 16, 1973

Dear Mr. McCarthy: I am writing to you in your capacity as chairman of the Drake School Board. I am among those American writers whose books have been destroyed in the now famous furnace of your school. Certain members of your community have suggested that my work is evil. This is extraordinarily insulting to me. The news from Drake indicates to me that books and writers are very unreal to you people. I am writing this letter to let you know how real I am. I want you to know, too, that my publisher and I have done absolutely nothing to exploit the disgusting news from Drake. We are not clapping each other on the back, crowing about all the books we will sell because of the news. We have declined to go on television, have written no fiery letters to editorial pages, have granted no lengthy 33

interviews. We are angered and sickened and saddened. And no copies of this letter have been sent to anybody else. You now hold the only copy in your hands. It is a strictly private letter from me to the people of Drake, who have done so much to damage my reputation in the eyes of their children and then in the eyes of the world. Do you have the courage and ordinary decency to show this letter to the people, or will it, too, be consigned to the fires of your furnace? I gather from what I read in the papers and hear on television that you imagine me, and some other writers, too, as being sort of ratlike people who enjoy making money from poisoning the minds of young people. I am in fact a large, strong person, fifty-one years old, who did a lot of farm work as a boy, who is good with tools. I have raised six children, three my own and three adopted. They have all turned out well. Two of them are farmers. I am a combat infantry veteran from World War II, and hold a Purple Heart. I have earned whatever I own by hard work. I have never been arrested or sued for anything. I am so much trusted with young people and by young people that I have served on the faculties of the University of Iowa, Harvard, and the City College of New York. Every year I receive at least a dozen invitations to be commencement speaker at colleges and high schools. My books are probably more widely used in schools than those of any other living American fiction writer. If you were to bother to read my books, to behave as educated persons would, you would learn that they are not sexy, and do not argue in favor of wildness of any kind. They beg that people be kinder and more responsible than they often are. It is true that some of the characters speak coarsely. That is because people speak coarsely in real life. Especially soldiers and hardworking men speak coarsely, and even our most sheltered children know that. And we all know, too, that those words really dont damage children much. They didnt damage us when we were young. It was evil deeds and lying that hurt us. After I have said all this, I am sure you are still ready to respond, in effect, Yes, yesbut it still remains our right and our responsibility to decide what books our children are going to be made to read in our community. This is surely so. But it is also true that if you exercise that right and fulfill that responsibility in an ignorant, harsh, un-American manner, then people are entitled to call you bad citizens and fools. Even your own children are entitled to call you that. I read in the newspaper that your community is mystified by the outcry from all over the country about what you have done. Well, you have discovered that Drake is a part 34

of American civilization, and your fellow Americans cant stand it that you have behaved in such an uncivilized way. Perhaps you will learn from this that books are sacred to free men for very good reasons, and that wars have been fought against nations which hate books and burn them. If you are an American, you must allow all ideas to circulate freely in your community, not merely your own. If you and your board are now determined to show that you in fact have wisdom and maturity when you exercise your powers over the eduction of your young, then you should acknowledge that it was a rotten lesson you taught young people in a free society when you denounced and then burned booksbooks you hadnt even read. You should also resolve to expose your children to all sorts of opinions and information, in order that they will be better equipped to make decisions and to survive. Again: you have insulted me, and I am a good citizen, and I am very real.

Kurt Vonnegut

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When copywriter Robert Pirosh landed in Hollywood in 1934, eager to become a screenwriter, he wrote and sent the following letter to all the directors, producers, and studio executives he could think of. The approach worked, and after securing three interviews he took a job as a junior writer with MGM.

Pirosh went on to write for the Marx Brothers, and in 1949 won an Academy Award for his Battleground script.

(Source: Dear Wit.)

Dear Sir: I like words. I like fat buttery words, such as ooze, turpitude, glutinous, toady. I like solemn, angular, creaky words, such as straitlaced, cantankerous, pecunious, valedictory. I like spurious, black-is-white words, such as mortician, liquidate, tonsorial, demi-monde. I like suave "V" words, such as Svengali, svelte, bravura, verve. I like crunchy, brittle, crackly words, such as splinter, grapple, jostle, crusty. I like sullen, crabbed, scowling words, such as skulk, glower, scabby, churl. I like Oh-Heavens, my-gracious, land's-sake words, such as tricksy, tucker, genteel, horrid. I like elegant, flowery words, such as estivate, peregrinate, elysium, halcyon. I like wormy, squirmy, mealy words, such as crawl, blubber, squeal, drip. I like sniggly, chuckling words, such as cowlick, gurgle, bubble and burp. I like the word screenwriter better than copywriter, so I decided to quit my job in a New York advertising agency and try my luck in Hollywood, but before taking the plunge I went to Europe for a year of study, contemplation and horsing around. I have just returned and I still like words. May I have a few with you?

Robert Pirosh 385 Madison Avenue Room 610 New York Eldorado 5-6024

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