This updated encyclopedia provides new analysis of the people, procedures, politics, primary documents and campaigns for the 27 Amendments to the Constitution of the United States. Each chapter provides in-depth analysis of each amendment. Chapters include a reprint of the Amendment; an Introduction to the reasons behind the amendment and its path to ratification; the Debate in Congress with transcripts of the back and forth from both advocates and opponents; Historical Background Documents; and As Submitted to the States to show how and when the states voted.

Plus, additional supplementary materials include Original Primary Documentsthat show how public opinion differed in different regions of the country; Supreme Court cases that ruled based on their interpretation at the time; a Who’s Who of those who either played a significant role in getting the amendment ratified, or worked to block it; Footnotes, Sources, and Further Readings provide ample sources for further research, and America At That Time offering valuable insight into what was happening in America at the time each amendment was adopted.

This updated edition offers new analysis of the implications of recent political groups, specifically Tea Party Republicans who identify as
strict constitutionalists,
and new information on the recent challenges to and reinterpretations of Amendments, including the controversy over
birthright citizenship
and the 14th Amendment, and further discussion of the Roberts Court.

This material is designed to help students and researchers more fully grasp the reasons behind the proposed amendments, their opposition, votes, and public sentiment. This new reference will inform and educate readers on how our nation has changed and updated the US Constitution.