Amendments
A constitutional referendum on removing two-term limits for Venezuelan government officials passed on Sunday, paving the way for a constitutional amendment which went into effect on Monday, February 16. Chavez claims this as a major victory for "the people" and for "the revolution." 54 percent of voters, more than 6 million total, endorsed the amendment, a large increase from the last time Chavez attempted to remove term limits in 2007.
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified today , giving all citizens, including African Americans, equal protection under the law. "The Amendment was rejected by every Southern State except Tennessee, which latter State by its adoption was restored to the Union.
"In the presence of a notable company, including many legislators who had to do with its adoption, Secretary Bryan today signed the formal announcement of the seventeenth amendment to the constitution , providing for the direct election of senators," informed The Ogden Standard on May 31, 1913. NOTE: The amendment was ratified on April 8, with only 10 states opposing.
The 23rd Amendment, which gives the residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote for the president, was official today after Kansas ratified it . "After 160 years, residents of the District of Columbia have the right to vote for their president. And President Kennedy has hailed it as 'a major step in the right direction,'" reported The Odessa American on March 30, 1961.
The 20th Amendment of the United States Constitution was ratified today, changing the date of presidential inaugurations to January 20 . "Submitted to the states by Congress on March 3 of last year, it was ratified in near-record time, the state of Missouri today winning the distinction of being the 36th and last needed state to approve this modernization of the federal machinery. The amendment will become operative October 15," explained The Frederick Post on January 24, 1933.
