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Activity - The Twenty-third Amendment
Research the Twenty-third Amendment and write an essay (minimum of four paragraphs) answering these question
When was it passed?
The Twenty-third Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed by Congress on June 16, 1960. It was ratified by the necessary number of states on March 29, 1961, and officially became part of the Constitution on March 29, 1961.
What problem did it solve?
The Twenty-third Amendment addressed the long-standing problem of residents of the District of Columbia, also known as Washington, D.C., being denied the right to vote in presidential elections. Prior to the amendment, residents of the District of Columbia were essentially disenfranchised and did not have a voice in choosing the President and Vice President of the United States. This was seen as a significant democratic deficit, as residents of the nation's capital were denied a basic political right that citizens of the 50 states enjoyed.
How does it work?
The Twenty-third Amendment provides the residents of the District of Columbia with the right to vote for electors for President and Vice President. It grants the District of Columbia electors in the same manner as the states, with a number equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives combined, not exceeding the total number of electors appointed to the most populous state. This means that the District of Columbia is given three electors, reflecting its current total of one non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives and two Senators.
Why was it necessary?
The need for the Twenty-third Amendment was rooted in the historical context of the District of Columbia being created as the seat of the federal government. Although residents of the District of Columbia paid taxes and were subject to federal laws, they were not granted full representation in Congress or the ability to vote for the President and Vice President. This lack of political rights for the residents of the capital city was seen as a fundamental flaw in the nation's democratic system.
Furthermore, the District of Columbia played a crucial role in the functioning of the federal government, hosting the White House, Congress, and numerous government agencies. Therefore, denying its residents the right to vote in presidential elections was seen as unjust and undemocratic. The Twenty-third Amendment sought to rectify this by recognizing the District of Columbia as a jurisdiction entitled to representation in the Electoral College.
In conclusion, the Twenty-third Amendment was passed in 1960 to address the issue of the residents of the District of Columbia being denied the right to vote in presidential elections. The Amendment grants the District of Columbia three electors, allowing its residents to participate in the election of the President and Vice President. This amendment was necessary to rectify a democratic deficit and ensure that all American citizens have equal political rights, regardless of their place of residence.