Challenging Myself, With 224K New Friends!

Be honest… are you living your best life? I bet many of you aren’t. Truthfully… I know I’m not.

I saw an ad for this Comeback Challenge at the end of last week. Having followed Tony Robbins, (and other motivational speakers, such as Gary Vee, and, Mel Robbins), for a while, now, bought plenty of books, (which I’ve not read), and have even befriended one, Kenny Weiss, on Facebook, but I’ve never taken their ideas and run with them.

I’ve never really taken life… seriously… I guess, could be a way to describe it. I’ve always been happy to float along and roll with the punches when they inevitably came, but always rolling too deeply. Waiting too long to get back up on my feet.

When I saw that this Challenge was not only free, but started on my birthday, I couldn’t resist. It was like Destiny/Fate/God/whatever, was telling me that this time, would be different…

Seeing all of the posts from other participants in this Challenge, as well as being a recipient of the coaching by Tony and his team is already making me feel like the change is happening. The proverbial phoenix is rising from the ashes.

Really, at the end of the day, Tony isn’t telling you anything you don’t already know. He’s just showing you the road to get there.

So… we’re only two days in, so if you’re up for it, go ahead and sign up, and I’ll see you there. 😊

Whatever Happened To…

USA Rugby’s “A New Vision For USA Rugby”?

Browsing through some old rugby-related files on my laptop, I came across a Notepad file from 2005…

A New Vision For USA Rugby
The USA Rugby Board of Directors has begun the process of developing a new vision and strategic plan for rugby in the United States.  This is a unique opportunity for the game in the U.S. and the Board to realize that the game is a potential turning point.  International consultants ASMT (Atlantic Sports Management & Training Ltd) were commissioned by USA Rugby:To undertake a strategic review of the organization and to assist the Union in developing a new strategic plan and governance model for the organization.
The following outlines a potential vision for USA Rugby.  It sets out an ideal view of what USA Rugby could be like in the medium to long term if the right plan, structures and financial model can be put in place.  Any organization needs a set of aspirations, which then can be broken down to realistic short term steps.  Without a long-term vision (even if it is generally regarded as being too aspirational) it is very difficult to know what the right short terms steps are.  The Board will be asked to debate the long term vision and then set some very clear and sharp achievable goals which can progress the organization in working towards the long term vision.  Detailed programs, strategies and measures of success will be put in place through the strategic and annual operational plan to implement these goals.
The purpose of this paper is to seek the views of the wider membership of USA Rugby on what their dreams are for rugby and any suggestions you may have on where the priorities are and how USA Rugby should go about achieving them.
You are invited to submit your views to USA Rugby at the following email: info@usarugby.org by Jan. 20, 2006.
The Board will meet March 3-4 to finalize the strategic plan and agree to an effective and modern structure which can lead the sport and make sure the first positive and realistic steps towards achieving a new and better future at all levels in the game.  A series of draft vision statements and goals are outlined below – developed at the Board’s Annual General Meeting in November in the following areas: * Community Rugby* Professional Rugby* Leadership * Commercial and Marketing
Please read these and provide us with your feedback.  Thank you.
Our Mission is:  To lead the growth and development of all aspects of community and high performance rugby in the United States.
The goals of USA Rugby are to:1. Be successful in professional and international rugby.2. Grow and develop community rugby in the U.S.3. Raise the profile and respect of rugby in the U.S.4. Ensure the organization and strucutres of USA Rugby are guided by excellent leadership, supported by a sound and growing financial base.
USA Rugby’s Long Term Vision is:
COMMUNITY RUGBYClub Game* There will be strong and vibrant club units across the country* Rugby is growing and flourishing in all parts of the U.S.* Clubs are viable – well run with access to quality playing facilities* There will be better facilities for youth to play the game* Every club will have qualified coaches and referees* There will be sufficient volunteers to run clubs
College Rugby* Men’s rugby is a key component of college sports programs* Women’s rugby is recognized as an intercollegiate varsity sport supported by the NCAA and its member institutions.* Rugby is accessing significant college funding and attracting investment from a wide range of sources –supported by full time coaches, quality systems and support services* Large crowds attend college games
Schools* High school rugby is a legitimate sport recognized by State High School Associations throughout the U.S.* Rugby is a recognized pathway sport with clear opportunities for players to progress from school – college/club and into the professional game.* Youth rugby is flourishing in schools, supported by excellent administration and leadership.
Coaches* USA Rugby is delivering a world-class coaching program training more quality coaches* There are more active coaches in the game* Every club, college and school team will have access to a competent and appropriately qualified coach
Referees* USAR is delivering a world class referee program training more quality referees* There are enough competent and qualified referees to support the game in the US* There will be a panel of professional referees from the U.S. involved at the highest level in the professional game* American referees will be officiating in Rugby World Cup matches
PROFESSIONAL RUGBYProfessional Game* The men’s national team consistently ranked in the top-eight in the world and the women’s in the top four* USA Rugby U-19 team ranked in the top four in the world* U.S. among the leading contenders for reaching the semifinals and finals of the Rugby World Cup* Professional rugby is established in North America and is commercially self sustainable  * The U.S. is playing a key role in the global expansion of the game
Events* USA Rugby successfully hosting both the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in the U.S.* Major teams from world rugby playing nations in North America on a regular basis (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales)* Successful annual North American Rugby Series * Internationals in the US attract over 25,000 fans per game* Alliances in place with other sports in staging events in quality facilities * Rugby Sevens continues to grow and flourish and is in the Olympic Games* USA Rugby Championships are first-class events, well supported and a showcase for the game
LEADERSHIPOrganization and Game Development* USA Rugby is a strong and effective national organization with a membership of over 200,000 players on all levels* There are clear pathways for players, coaches, referees and administrators in the sport* A network of full-time game development officers are working to develop the game in clubs, schools and colleges * Territorial Unions and/or Local Area Unions with professional administration and developmental staff growing the game in their regions* Rugby is regarded as one of the best run niche sporting organizations in the U.S. and leading the way internationally* USAR is leading the use of technology and education to radically change the way rugby is taught, played and viewed
COMMERICIAL AND MARKETINGCommercial * USAR has significant commercial, broadcasting and sponsorships agreements supporting the growth of the game* Investors are generating a return for their investment* There is a significant investment in the game
Image* A very strong and positive image for the game in the U.S.* Rugby is a quality family game played in communities throughout the U.S.* USA Rugby regarded as one of the most well-run athletic organizations in the U.S. * Members are very satisfied, supporting all aspects of the game* There are positive role models national team players and coaches that are well-known and high profile among the rugby-playing community.* Interest and involvement in rugby is generational with former players staying involved in the sport with their children playing rugby
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
We want to hear your views on your vision for USA Rugby.  1. Which aspects of the above vision statements do you support? I support all of the statements.
2. Have you any additional views and visions for the game in the U.S.?i) The LAU’s should be broken down into a League structure, rather than Conferences – i.e. all of the teams from a Division are in the same league.ii) This new League structure would require a re-structuring of the Domestic Season with the relegation/promotion of teams at the end of each.iii) A knock-out domestic Cup competition, running in parallel with the Domestic Season.iv) Set up a tiered professional system akin to the Major and Minor Leagues in baseball or the AFL/af2 in Arena football.v) The LAU’s play a Six Nations-style competition at the mid-point of each domestic season.
I envision points ii), iii) & iv) leading to something similar to the current Welsh set-up.
3. What are the short term priorities which USA Rugby should focus on (in the next four years)?i) Getting the infrastructure at the “grass roots” level right.ii) Ensuring that the targets imposed upon us by accepting the IRB’s funding of High Performance etc., are reached, if not surpassed, in order to secure future IRB funding.
4. What long-term priorities should USA Rugby focus on (next 10 years)?i) Having more US players play with teams overseas.ii) Having more non-US players playing with the domestic clubs.iii) Regularly hosting tours by sides from Tier I Unions.iv) Regular tours, by the International side, of Tier I Unions.v) Consistently obtaining qualification for the Rugby World Cup.
5. What are the key factors which will assist USA Rugby to achieve its goals?i) Focus on the goals and the fact that the changes and improvements will be gradual processes.ii) Communication between the different aspects and levels of the game, within the United States.iii) Measurable progress towards the goals.
6. What are the key issues which USA Rugby needs to address if it is to be successful?i) Clubs need to become more professional.This will not go down well with a lot of players, as they play purely for recreation, but it needs to happen for the game to progress here in the United States.  The more recreational player should always find a place to play in the “B” side, or Clubs might set up specifically recreational sides.ii) Those involved at the lower levels need to feel that the “Powers That Be” are listening to them and, ultimately, have their interests in mind when making any plans and decisions about the game here in the United States.iii) The lack of qualified Coaches and Refereeing Staff.
We want to hear your view on rugby in your own area1. What is your vision for the game in your own area?A single organization within the Dayton-Cincinnati-Columbus triangle, with its own stadium, training facilities, etc.
2. What are the short term priorities for the game to develop in your area?i) Recruitment.ii) Sponsorhip.iii) Qualified Coaching and Administrative Staff.
3. What are the key factors which will assist the game to grow in your area?i) As mentioned before, the results need to be visible.ii) Also, as mentioned before, the “Powers That Be” need to show they are listening to the “Little Man”.Continued exasperation with either of these factors will lead to people leaving the game and not returning or recommending it to others.
4. What are the key issues which need to be addressed if the game is to be successful in your area?
In order to ensure your submission is accepted please provide:a) Your name:Mark Duddridge
b) Where are you from?Dayton, OH – originally from Barry, Wales.
c) Your CIPP Number:269921
d) Which area of rugby are you involved in (playing, spectating, coach, referee, administrator, other)Player.
Please submit your views to USA Rugby at the following email: info@usarugby.orgBy Jan. 20, 2006
Thank youMorgan BuckleyManaging Director ASMT http://www.atlanticsport.ie

 

A Thought On Rugby in The USA

According to the analysis of the latest IRB statistics on the “Super Rugby Tips” blog, there are currently 1.4 million registered players in the U.S.A.

Coming originally from Wales, a country with a 100+ year history of playing the game, I’m kind of impatient for the sport to really take off here. Sure its popular, but it is certainly no where near Major League popular. Not even Minor League popular – mind you, being in the city that is home to a Minor League baseball team, the Dayton Dragons, that regularly sells out it’s 8000+ capacity stadium may skew that assertion, somewhat! There are pockets of support around the country that might maintain such levels of attendence, but they are few and far between.

When it comes to the domestic competition, the focus seems to be on the Territories. Whilst the basic premise of league play in the Fall and a playoff style championships in the Spring is a great set-up, I think we’d be better off with more focus on State-level championships in the Fall. Of course this, in itself presents problems, as a team in Cincinnati, for example, would likely prefer the short trips to Lexington and Louisville in Kentucky than cross-State trips up to Toledo or Cleveland. But the bragging rights to being the best in Ohio, would be great incentive to make those kinds of changes to a team’s travelling schedule.

There could still be a Territorial playoff system in place, but due to the window of opportunity for play, outside of the bitter Winters and broiling Summers that various teams have to deal with – most States encounter one or the other, if not both of these extremes of seasons – I really think it should be skipped for a seeded State Champ vs. State Champ setup.

Again, geography is a powerful force here, as it is conceivable that a team from Hawaii could be drawn to play a team in Maine, neither of which might be able to afford – maybe a “slush fund” from some large corporate sponsor(s) could be used to subsidize playoff travel? – or really want to put the time and effort into arranging – with most teams having an amateur, low-budget set-up it could be easy for a team, (especially one from a smaller State, where there could be less competition), to fall into a mentality of “What’s the point? If we lose we traveled all that way for nothing and if we win we might have to make another trip like this!”.

One way to offset this could be for the various governing bodies to encourage the use of the Spring seasons by non-playoff teams for travelling as supporters of their State Champion. Maybe this is a personal preference, though, as, finances allowing, I would happily travel to Alaska to watch our State Champion take on theirs, or take the road-trip from Dayton to wherever our State Champion might be hosting another. Of course, in another rugby fantasy of mine, that State Champion would be based in Dayton, but that could be a blog for another time!

 

Might As Well Be An Underwood No. 5

I love technology. The point, in my opinion, of technology is to make things easier for everyone. As someone long-term unemployed, I have done quite a number of applications online during this period and technology has facilitated the whole job search and application process.

I use Monster, LinkedIn and other websites to find the jobs I want to apply for, yet I always have a certain sense of exasperation after clicking the “Apply” button, as I am invariably sent to a third party website where I have to create an account before being given the opportunity to upload my resume as a Word file and fill out all the details over a few pages of web forms.

Imagine this scenario…

Boss: I need you to type me up a letter.

You: Okay.

You type a letter up in Word, print it and hand it to your boss.

Boss: Perfect! Now… go over to that vintage Underwood No. 5 and type the letter that we’re going to send out, please.

You: But I just typed it up in Word. It is here, on your desk. You said it was perfect…

Boss: Yes, but this is how we “do” letters here.

Somewhere in the back of my head, I can hear a little Voice of Authority telling me:

But its just a test! The company just wants to know that if you go through the processes involved in actually applying for a position, you’ll go through the processes to actually work there.

Maybe this Voice is right, but it works both ways. You see, if I am applying for jobs that use technology, do I want to be applying for jobs at a company that sees redundancy and a lack of embracing of the technologies available as a good thing?

For The 96…

I am a fan of three forms of football – football/soccer, rugby union and [American] football. My favorite soccer team, for 30+ of the 40+ years I have had the privilege to have been around this Earth, has always been Liverpool FC.

Whilst still something of a powerhouse in British and European soccer, they aren’t quite at the heights they were back then and, if I’m honest, I likely became a fan of theirs because they were the best at that time.

Anyway… 15th April, 1989 was the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest FC, held at the neutral Hillsborough ground, of Sheffield Wednesday FC. It was during a time in British football when hooliganism, though waning, was still rife, so when LFC supporters started pouring out over and through the fences and gates at the Leppings Lane end of the ground, slowly at first, and then in great numbers, the other fans in the ground and the viewers at home all initially thought that hooligans were about to spoil another football match.

If only that were true…

The Passing Of A Friend

At the beginning of December I received some very sad news: a friend of mine, Charlie Wildgoose had lost his three-year battle with prostate cancer and had crossed into his Summerland. Professionally, Charlie was a solicitor (lawyer). He retired from work sometime after his diagnosis.

I never got to meet Charlie in real life, but we were online friends, having gotten connected back in 2006, (or maybe 2007), via Yahoo!’s long-defunct blogging platform, 360, and remained connected via other social media sites, such as Multiply, (also now defunct!), Twitter, Flickr and Facebook.

Charlie was a “rambler”, which in British English means that he was someone who would meet up with other members of a local ramblers group and walk the footpaths in the countryside around and about their home area, oftentimes acting as unpaid stewards of said paths. He was also an author, writing a number of guidebooks for some of these walks.

I always thought of how, on some visit back to my Welsh homeland, a road trip to the beautiful Derbyshire countryside around Matlock, that Charlie had blogged about and posted pictures of on Flickr, would happen, with Charlie as a local guide and, afterwards we’d go enjoy some of the offerings at a local hostelry.

As a blogger Charlie not only blogged about the everyday things in his life, the kinds of things we all blog about, but he was lucky enough to have found a trove of blogging material in the form of the journals from 1870 of his great-great-great uncle, John Bayliff Bowman, a farmer in the same area Charlie lived in. I don’t know if it is irony, synchronicity or prescience of the coming end that the last post on Charlie’s blog was one of the journal entries, part of which included the journal entry by Mr. Bowman, concerning the passing of his father. The journal entry ended with this thought:

“…may we endeavour so to live that some may not fear to die whensoever the call may come.”

Judging by the many posts on his Facebook page, I am not the only person whose life was touched by Charlie, and a lot of us had only ever met him online. His son, Jamie, wrote a wonderful entry that announced the news of his father’s passing:

Charlie Wildgoose 1950 – 2013 

Dad passed away peacefully in hospital this afternoon, surrounded by his family. He was 63 years old.

We will all miss so many things about him, but at the moment it is hard to imagine logging on to a computer and not seeing the latest write-up of one of his walks, which were so enjoyed by his friends near and far – or pages from our ancestor, John Bayliff Bowman’s 1870 Farm Journal, the most recent of which featured John describing the death of his own father all those many years ago. It’s a beautiful entry and Dad was hugely excited about getting to it in his regular updates – going so far as to show me the actual journals themselves just last week – the first time I’d actually seen the original volumes. Dad loved to write, and was delighted that his blog and his photos were enjoyed, and that they brought Derbyshire and the countryside he loved so much to a wider audience. Dad could see something special everywhere he looked in the land around here, it was a truly remarkable thing.

Although Dad had been ill for a few years with advanced prostate cancer; his courage in dealing with his illness, his good humour, and his genuine ability to live each day to the fullest, made it easy to forget he was ill at all. It is a great comfort to think back on these times and remember Dad as he always was: a man who loved his friends, his family and the countryside – and who was in turn greatly loved back.

He was my father and my oldest friend. I miss him.

Rest in peace Charlie. Rest in peace, my friend.

Rock ‘n’ Rugby

This story concerning actor/wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his respect for rugby got me thinking…

Initially, I wondered, what if we could get The Rock to participate in some kind of exhibition or league game, even if it was only for one half or one quarter, but then my idea quickly progressed into a Celebrity Barbarians side for an exhibition/charity game, or two. I’m sure that twenty three celebrities who have played a little rugby could be found, even without including any foreign nationals who are known in the US. This idea then morphed into the idea of a US Celebrity Barbarians vs. Foreign-born US Celebrity Barbarians charity game.

Personally, I think that right now, any of these ideas, if implemented, would bring in some publicity for the game of rugby union in the United States, but hey, I’m just a fan who believes the United States Eagles should be one of the top rugby international representative squads in the world and who wants the game to grow in this country…

Two Of My Favorite Cloud Apps

One of my favorite apps is Evernote. I must admit, it isn’t an app I use a lot, right now, but I do love cloud-based applications, such as it and Dropbox. Having these apps installed on my smartphone, my tablet and my PC means that notes and files are accessible 24/7, wherever there is an internet connection.

Right now, Evernote is giving new signees a month of their Evernote Premium service.

What do you get for Evernote Premium, (which, incidentally, is usually $5/month or $45/year)? Upgrading to Premium has these benefits:

• Access your notes fast whenever you need them on your mobile device, even without a network connection. Great for travel.
• Allow your friends and colleagues to edit notes you share with them, and see Note History for past versions of notes.
• Passcode lock adds a layer of protection on mobile devices.
• If you need help, then fast, Priority support is a chat window away.
• Get 1GB of monthly upload capacity and an increased max note size of 100MB.
• Search inside PDFs and attached documents, find text in images faster and rediscover your content with the powerful Related Notes feature.
• Let people into your thinking process by presenting your notes in a beautiful, full-screen layout with one click, (currently, for Mac only).

The other cloud app I like to use, Dropbox, has three plans:

• Free – Account starts out with 2 GB, but through referral bonuses, that can increase up to 18 GB, (500 MB per referral).
• Pro – Plans provide 100GB, 200GB, or 500 GB of storage, starting at $9.99/month.
• Business – Plans start at 1 TB for 5 users, with centralized billing and admin tools.

Dropbox works by installing folders on your PC, which then updates to/from the cloud folders. So, for example, when I take a photo on my smartphone, it is saved into a specific Dropbox sub-folder, a copy of which can be found on your HDD, so that, assuming upload to the cloud has occurred, the photo taken on your smartphone is also available on your computer. And it also works in the other direction; move a file into a Dropbox sub-folder on your HDD and it will be available on your device.

So, there you go. Two great apps that might well help you be a little more productive.

Disclaimer:
The links I have posted that direct you to the app websites are referral links, that allow me to upgrade &/or increase the capacity of my accounts.

On Constitution Day…

The Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights and Amendments

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Article. I.

Section. 1.

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Section. 2.

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

Section. 3.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Section. 4.

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.

Section. 5.

Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

Section. 6.

The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

Section. 7.

All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States: If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.

Section. 8.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;–And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section. 9.

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

Section. 10.

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it’s inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Article. II.

Section. 1.

The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:

Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President.

The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.

The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:–“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Section. 2.

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Section. 3.

He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.

Section. 4.

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Article III.

Section. 1.

The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Section. 2.

The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;–to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;–to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;–to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;–to Controversies between two or more States;– between a State and Citizens of another State,–between Citizens of different States,–between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.

In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Section. 3.

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

Article. IV.

Section. 1.

Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

Section. 2.

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.

A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.

No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.

Section. 3.

New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

Section. 4.

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence.

Article. V.

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

Article. VI.

All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

Article. VII.

The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.

The Word, “the,” being interlined between the seventh and eighth Lines of the first Page, the Word “Thirty” being partly written on an Erazure in the fifteenth Line of the first Page, The Words “is tried” being interlined between the thirty second and thirty third Lines of the first Page and the Word “the” being interlined between the forty third and forty fourth Lines of the second Page.

Attest William Jackson Secretary

done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independance of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,

G°. Washington
Presidt and deputy from Virginia

Delaware
Geo: Read
Gunning Bedford jun
John Dickinson
Richard Bassett
Jaco: Broom

Maryland
James McHenry
Dan of St Thos. Jenifer
Danl. Carroll

Virginia
John Blair
James Madison Jr.

North Carolina
Wm. Blount
Richd. Dobbs Spaight
Hu Williamson

South Carolina
J. Rutledge
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
Charles Pinckney
Pierce Butler

Georgia
William Few
Abr Baldwin

New Hampshire
John Langdon
Nicholas Gilman

Massachusetts
Nathaniel Gorham
Rufus King

Connecticut
Wm. Saml. Johnson
Roger Sherman

New York
Alexander Hamilton

New Jersey
Wil: Livingston
David Brearley
Wm. Paterson
Jona: Dayton

Pennsylvania
B Franklin
Thomas Mifflin
Robt. Morris
Geo. Clymer
Thos. FitzSimons
Jared Ingersoll
James Wilson
Gouv Morris

Congress of the United States
begun and held at the City of New-York, on
Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.

THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.

ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.

Note: The following text is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the “Bill of Rights.”

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Amendment XI

Passed by Congress March 4, 1794. Ratified February 7, 1795.

Note: Article III, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by amendment 11.

The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.

Amendment XII

Passed by Congress December 9, 1803. Ratified June 15, 1804.

Note: A portion of Article II, section 1 of the Constitution was superseded by the 12th amendment.

The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate; — the President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted; — The person having the greatest number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. [And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President. –]* The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.

*Superseded by section 3 of the 20th amendment.

Amendment XIII

Passed by Congress January 31, 1865. Ratified December 6, 1865.

Note: A portion of Article IV, section 2, of the Constitution was superseded by the 13th amendment.

Section 1.
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2.
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment XIV

Passed by Congress June 13, 1866. Ratified July 9, 1868.

Note: Article I, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 2 of the 14th amendment.

Section 1.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2.
Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age,* and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.

Section 3.
No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

Section 4.
The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

Section 5.
The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

*Changed by section 1 of the 26th amendment.

Amendment XV

Passed by Congress February 26, 1869. Ratified February 3, 1870.

Section 1.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude–

Section 2.
The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment XVI

Passed by Congress July 2, 1909. Ratified February 3, 1913.

Note: Article I, section 9, of the Constitution was modified by amendment 16.

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

Amendment XVII

Passed by Congress May 13, 1912. Ratified April 8, 1913.

Note: Article I, section 3, of the Constitution was modified by the 17th amendment.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

Amendment XVIII

Passed by Congress December 18, 1917. Ratified January 16, 1919. Repealed by amendment 21.

Section 1.
After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.

Section 2.
The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Section 3.
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

Amendment XIX

Passed by Congress June 4, 1919. Ratified August 18, 1920.

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment XX

Passed by Congress March 2, 1932. Ratified January 23, 1933.

Note: Article I, section 4, of the Constitution was modified by section 2 of this amendment. In addition, a portion of the 12th amendment was superseded by section 3.

Section 1.
The terms of the President and the Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3rd day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Section 2.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

Section 3.
If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.

Section 4.
The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.

Section 5.
Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of October following the ratification of this article.

Section 6.
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission.

Amendment XXI

Passed by Congress February 20, 1933. Ratified December 5, 1933.

Section 1.
The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.

Section 2.
The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or Possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.

Section 3.
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

Amendment XXII

Passed by Congress March 21, 1947. Ratified February 27, 1951.

Section 1.
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.

Section 2.
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission to the States by the Congress.

Amendment XXIII

Passed by Congress June 16, 1960. Ratified March 29, 1961.

Section 1.
The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as Congress may direct:

A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the States, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.

Section 2.
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment XXIV

Passed by Congress August 27, 1962. Ratified January 23, 1964.

Section 1.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay poll tax or other tax.

Section 2.
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment XXV

Passed by Congress July 6, 1965. Ratified February 10, 1967.

Note: Article II, section 1, of the Constitution was affected by the 25th amendment.

Section 1.
In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

Section 2.
Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

Section 3.
Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

Section 4.
Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

Amendment XXVI

Passed by Congress March 23, 1971. Ratified July 1, 1971.

Note: Amendment 14, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 1 of the 26th amendment.

Section 1.
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Section 2.
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Amendment XXVII

Originally proposed Sept. 25, 1789. Ratified May 7, 1992.

No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of representatives shall have intervened.

Why Twitter Rocks II

@markduddridge @MelissaEGilbert the magic words: "public domain". Also, stupidly easy to sing.

— Arngrim (@Arngrim) July 16, 2013