QQuestionPolitical Science
QuestionPolitical Science
Why do you think only 27 amendments have been added to the Constitution since its ratification, even though thousands have been proposed?
If you had to pick one amendment as the most important, what would it be and why?
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Answer
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Step 1: Understanding the question
The question asks for two things: first, an explanation as to why only 27 amendments have been added to the Constitution since its ratification, given that thousands have been proposed; and second, if I had to pick one amendment as the most important, which one it would be and why.
Step 2: Reasons for the small number of amendments
There are a few reasons why only 27 amendments have been added to the Constitution since its ratification in 1788: a) The high bar for ratification: According to Article V of the Constitution, an amendment becomes part of the Constitution when it is ratified by three-fourths of the states, either by their legislatures or by ratifying conventions. This high bar makes it difficult for amendments to be adopted. b) The amendment process is intentionally difficult: The Founders designed the amendment process to be difficult to ensure stability in the Constitution and to prevent hasty changes based on temporary public sentiment. c) Many proposed amendments are redundant or unnecessary: Of the thousands of proposed amendments, many are repetitive or address issues that are already covered by existing laws or other amendments.
Final Answer
Only 27 amendments have been added to the Constitution since its ratification due to the high bar for ratification, the intentionally difficult amendment process, and the fact that many proposed amendments are redundant or unnecessary. If I had to choose one amendment as the most important, I would pick the 14th Amendment, which has had a profound impact on American society and jurisprudence by reaffirming the citizenship of former slaves, establishing equal protection under the law, protecting due process rights, and influencing the political landscape through the Apportionment Clause.
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