Civics Today Citizenship, Economics, & You

Failed Amendments

Introduction
In this chapter you have read about the first ten amendments to the Constitution, as well as several others that extended civil rights to more Americans. Thus far twenty-seven amendments have been added. However, many others have been proposed, passed by Congress, and yet failed to win ratification. They addressed a variety of topics in American life. In this activity you will take a closer look at some of the proposed amendments that did not become part of the Constitution.

Destination Title: The U.S. Constitution Online

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• Scroll down and click on Amendments: The Process.
• Click on The Failed Amendments.
• After reading these amendments scroll down and read through the Proposed Amendments.

1			Anti-Title Amendment: What would happen to U.S. citizens who accepted a title of nobility from a foreign power?
2			Child Labor Amendment: When was this amendment proposed?
3			Why do you think the Child Labor Amendment was proposed?
4			Equal Rights Amendment: What was the main provision of this amendment?
5			Choose one of the proposed amendments and write a short persuasive speech in favor of its passage. Present your speech to the class.