Understanding the 27th Amendment

The video discusses the history and ratification of the 27th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Initially proposed with the Bill of Rights, it was not ratified until 1992. The amendment prevents congressional salary changes from taking effect until after an election. Gregory Watson, a student, played a key role in its ratification by advocating for its relevance and lack of a time limit. His efforts led to the eventual approval by enough states, making it the 27th Amendment.

What was the primary reason for proposing the initial 12 amendments to the Constitution?

• To reduce the number of states in the Union

• To establish a new form of government

• To address the dissatisfaction with the original Constitution

• To increase the power of the federal government

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of the 27th Amendment?

• To provide healthcare benefits to all government officials

• To ensure salary changes for Congress take effect only after an election

• To limit the number of terms a senator can serve

• To establish a fixed salary for all members of Congress

What does the 27th Amendment prevent Congress from doing?

• Immediately benefiting from salary changes

• Altering the election process

• Changing the number of representatives

• Passing laws without presidential approval

Why was the 27th Amendment initially forgotten?

• It was considered irrelevant by most states

• It was overshadowed by the admission of new states

• It was vetoed by the President

• It was never officially proposed

What sparked Gregory Watson's interest in the 27th Amendment?

• A debate in the Senate

• A newspaper article

• A book on constitutional amendments

• A lecture by his professor

What grade did Gregory Watson initially receive on his paper about the 27th Amendment?

• A

• C

• B

• D

What was the main argument in Gregory Watson's paper regarding the 27th Amendment?

• It had no time limit for ratification

• It was unconstitutional

• It was already ratified

• It was irrelevant to modern politics

What was the outcome of Gregory Watson's appeal for a better grade on his paper?

• His grade was changed to an A

• His grade remained a C

• He was expelled from the university

• He received a scholarship

Which state was the first to approve the amendment after Gregory Watson's campaign?

• California

• New York

• Texas

• Maine

In what year did enough states ratify the 27th Amendment?

• 1983

• 1989

• 1992

• 2000