Have they even read it?

I don't like delving into politics.

 

There is all this talk about a new Constituional Amendment.  Anyway, I realized that I didn't know what all the other ones were, so I thought I would research them.

 

I found a copy of the Constitution at:

 

http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html

 

What is strange is that most of these are positive, giving protections and granting rights. 

 

A few take rights away:

If you fought against the US you can't serve in office.

You can't have booze (they rethought this one apparently).

You can't be President 3 times.

 

Don't you love the fact that people are trying to enshrine discrimination into the Constitution?

 

Amendments

• Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression

This one is pretty straight forward. One thing people leave out is the opportunity for a citizen to actually make amends for grievances.

• Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms

This allows the right to own a gun.

• Amendment 3 - Quartering of Soldiers

          The military can't take over your house without your permission.

• Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure

They can't search you without probable cause.

• Amendment 5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings

No double jeopardy. If they take your stuff, they have to pay you for it.

• Amendment 6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses

Trials are to be fast and public. You can face your accusers. Supposedly they can't lock you up and forget to start your trial.

• Amendment 7 - Trial by Jury in Civil Cases

You can have a jury of your peers (if you are dealing with something worth more than $20)

• Amendment 8 - Cruel and Unusual Punishment

You can't be fined a billion dollars for a parking ticket. Apparently having you eaten alive by fire-ants is not acceptable either.

 

• Amendment 9 - Construction of Constitution

The RIGHTS GRANTED IN THE CONSTITUTION cannot be used to deny other peoples rights.

• Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People

If it isn't specified in the Constitution, then it is a problem of the States.

• Amendment 11 - Judicial Limits

I'm fuzzy on this one. It looks like the courts of one state cannot dictate to another.

• Amendment 12 - Choosing the President, Vice President

The electoral college.

• Amendment 13 - Slavery Abolished

No more slavery.

• Amendment 14 - Citizenship Rights

This one has a several sections. It is kind of an interesting read.

1. If you are a born or naturalized citizen. Then you are subject to the laws of where you live. You are also allowed the protections of those laws.

2. The number of representatives for a state is dependent on a count of WHOLE people in that state minus the Indians who do not pay taxes. If men over the age of 21 are denied the ability to vote, then that number of representatives is reduced.

3. If you ever rebelled against the US, you cannot run for office. (I think this is a Confederacy thing).

4. Your Confederacy pension is still yours. But don't expect to get paid for your lost slaves.

• Amendment 15 - Race No Bar to Vote

Your right to vote does not depend on your race.

• Amendment 16 - Status of Income Tax Clarified

Mmmmm…income tax.

• Amendment 17 - Senators Elected by Popular Vote

Two Senators per state, a popularity contest.

• Amendment 18 - Liquor Abolished

No more EVIL BOOZE.

• Amendment 19 - Women's Suffrage

Women get the vote.

• Amendment 20 - Presidential, Congressional Terms

Think of this as a calendar of the school year for politicians.

• Amendment 21 - Amendment 18 Repealed

That EVIL BOOZE thing? Maybe not such a great idea.

• Amendment 22 - Presidential Term Limits

You only get two shots at being President.

• Amendment 23 - Presidential Vote for District of Columbia

Washington DC counts as a state for the Electoral College.

• Amendment 24 - Poll Taxes Barred

You don't have to pay to vote.

• Amendment 25 - Presidential Disability and Succession

If the Pres goes away. Who gets the job?

• Amendment 26 - Voting Age Set to 18 Years

If you are 18 and a citizen then you can vote.

Amendment 27 - Limiting Congressional Pay Increases

          Congress can't raise it's own pay immediately. Pay raises take effect the NEXT term.