Chapter 2: Constitution

One “ideal” of democracy is participation. Which amendments to the constitution reflect this ideal and which amendment, after giving Electoral College votes to D.C., is the “least” important?

Participation is an ideal of democracy. Participation in the government is best explained by universal suffrage. This is the requirement that everyone has the right to vote. There are a few amendments that, over the past years, have helped expand voting rights.

In 1869, the 15th amendment was proposed and the ratified in 1870. The 15th amendment gave freed slaves the right to vote. The 17th amendment was proposed in 1912 and ratified in 1913. This amendment provided the direct election of the Senate. Proposed in 1919 and ratified in 1920, the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote in elections. In 1960, the 23rd amendment was proposed. It was ratified in 1961, giving citizens of Washington, D.C., status in the Electoral College vote. The 24th amendment was proposed in 1962 and the ratified in 1964. The 24th amendment prohibited the charging of poll tax in order to vote. Proposed and ratified in 1971, the 26th amendment granted the right to vote to eighteen to twenty-one year olds.

Out of the few amendments that helped expand voting rights, I believe that the 24th amendment is the least important. The 24th amendment prohibits the charging of poll tax to vote. I believe this is the least important because even if there were poll tax people would still vote. Some might not be able to pay the tax but, the majority, I’m sure wouldn’t let that stop them from voting. People would still vote even if we didn’t have the 24th amendment.

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