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Friday, August 28, 2009

Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America


We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

We the People
Then
1789 - White men who owned property
1789 - The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof. Some jurisdictions had literacy or religious requirements
1868 - Amendment XIV
. . . any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States . . .
African-Americans, even former slaves, now are supposed to be able to vote
1920 - Amendment XIX
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Women begin to vote
1964 - Amendment XXIV
The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
Full Civil Rights in states that were turning African-Americans away from polling places
1971 - Amendment XXVI
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
"If you can fight for your country, you should be able to vote."
Now
All U. S. citizens who are eighteen years of age or older, and younger folks who choose to participate in politics;
Not convicted felons.
  • Men, women
  • Members of any race or religion
  • Politicians acknowledge thoughts and ideas of school-age young people