27 Amendment Meaning

 Purpose: The modification forbids any legislation that alters the salary for members of Congress from becoming effective until after the subsequent election of Representatives has taken place. This seeks to avert Congress from awarding itself immediate salary increases without responsibility to voters. Historical Context: Initially suggested by James Madison in 1789 as part of a collection of twelve amendments, it was not ratified at that time. Only ten of the amendments were confirmed in 1791, becoming recognized as the Bill of Rights.

20 Amendment Meaning

 Change in Term Dates: The modification shifted the commencement and conclusion dates for presidential and vice-presidential terms from March 4 to January 20, and for congressional members from March 4 to January 3. This alteration aimed to lessen the "lame duck" duration during which departing officials remained in office after elections without a mandate from constituents.

Congressional Sessions: The condition that Congress must convene at least once annually, starting on January 3, unless an alternative date is designated by legislation. This change permitted newly elected representatives to commence their responsibilities more promptly.

Presidential Succession: The amendment contains stipulations regarding what occurs if a president-elect passes away prior to assuming office or if no president has been selected by Inauguration Day. In these scenarios, the vice president-elect would take over the presidency.

Contingent Elections: It permits Congress to carry out contingent elections if there is no definitive victor in the Electoral College, ensuring that the newly elected Congress addresses such circumstances instead of the outgoing one.