Part C:

Amendments 12, 13, 14,and 15 are often referred to as a major turning point in US government policy. Explain the importance of these amendments

The 12, 13, 14,and 15 amendments were very important to the change of American government. The 13Th amendment abolishes slavery, which was huge because slavery was an aspect that America was basically built off of. The 12Th amendment introduce the Electoral College, while the 14Th amendment states that laws can't be made that violates peoples freedom. However, i think that the 15Th amendment i one of the most important amendments because it ensures everyone (except women), all races the right to vote. I agree that these amendments were a turning point in American government because it shows an effort being made towards equality. Even though women are still; left out of these amendments, i think it shows the unity that America is "supposed" to be built on. I do think that it's little too late to add something like this in, it still makes the constitution look grimy.


Why do you suppose these amendments were passed when they were - given how popular white supremacy has been in the US?

I think that these amendments were passed when they were because alot of people started standing up for themselves. Whether it were the slaves, or people in general that felt like they were being treated unfairly. I also think that a main reason these amendments were passed was because people started to realize that people of color weren't that much different from everyone else, and that slavery couldn't and wouldn't last forever. The civil war was also happening at this time which definitely helped move equal rights for blacks, and equal rights for everyone in America. Even though abolishing slavery was a major freedom for black people, blacks were still told what to do and when to do it by whites for many years to come.


Evaluate Amendments 11-27 - which are the most powerful? Which are the most important?

I feel that the 13Th amendment is still one of the most important amendments in the constitution. Just to think that without this amendment my people can still be enslaved in the country that people call "the land of the free". Its just crazy to think about. This amendment allowed my family and many others to live like Americans, and not just the laborers of America. Even though blacks were considered inferior to whites and many other races (depending on who you ask, we are still considered inferior to many races, this was a stepping stone to us gaining or natural freedom. Also a stepping stone to us being looked at as people, and not just property of the country

I also think that the 19Th amendment is very important as well, because it gives women the right to vote. This shows yet another step that America was taking towards equality for everyone. The women's suffrage movement was such a big movement, and it feels good to know that they succeed in getting women the right to vote for all races. I also feel like these amendments are very important because without them this years election would have had a very different turnout. Just to think that my 19 year old sister was able to vote this year because of these two amendments, and that i will too in the near future is a BEAUTIFUL thing