American History

Throughout American history many amendments for the U.S Constitution have been submitted to the Congress but only a few of these amendments have been ratified. The amendments have had a significant change of our government and our society. Out of the 27 amendments to the U.S Constitution, 2 stand out. One of these amendments is the 19th amendment. The other amendment is the 22nd amendment.

The 19th amendment was ratified in 1920 and ended women's suffrage. Prior to the ratification of this amendment woman didn't have the right to vote. The right for women to vote was something many encouraged and fought for especially women's right activist, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a leader at Seneca Falls conventions. At these conventions many women and men came together to brainstorm ideas and devise a plan to get equal rights for women. The women proved they could handle/perform "men" roles and tasks just as they did during the Civil War and the World Wars. After this amendment was ratified there was a significant change in our society because women were seen as equals to men opposed to being inferior. It has changed our government because women have made contributions to our government as members of Congress. Women can also join the army.

The 22nd amendment was ratified in 1951. This amendment was limited the presidents terms to 2 terms per president. Presidents of the Unites States have never exceeded 2 terms because the first president, George Washington, never did. They saw it as a part of the unwritten constitution. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only president to be elected for more than 2 terms, he was elected into office for 4 terms. While in office President Roosevelt nearly upset the checks and balances of the 3 branches of government. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created a bill by the name of the "Judiciary Reorganization Bill of 1937," which is also known as the "Court-packing Plan." If this bill had passed the President would have control over two of the three branches of government. This bill would've broke the Constitution's separation of powers and the Judicial Branch would no longer have independence. This bill had to ratified because it stopped the idea a permanent president and the possible uprising of a dictatorship. This amendment to our constitution has changed our government because presidents can't be in office for more than 2 terms to gain too much power. This amendment kept our branches of government with equal power.

In conclusion the 19th and 22nd amendment have a significant change on our society and government. These amendments have been proposed and ratified to change our government and society for the better. The Constitution needed to be changed to suit the changes America was going though. The Constitution needed appropriate amendments to match with current situations.