Mock Trial - Amendments

 The Reconstruction Era

The Reconstruction Amendments are the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. This is also called the Civil War Amendments. This act was made to “protect all citizens in their civil and legal rights.” This includes equal treatment in public accommodations, public transportation, and expelling exclusion from jury service. These three amendments changed the United States for the better. They gave black people equality just like white people.

13th Amendment 

“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” (Constitution Annotated). 

The 13th Amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865. This amendment abolished slavery and created justice for all. The Emancipation Proclamation created by Abraham Lincoln did not end slavery to the degree it was supposed to, so this amendment was necessary to make that change. 

14th Amendment

“No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States” (Liberty of Congress). 

The 14th Amendment was ratified on July 9, 1868. This amendment allowed everyone who was born in the United States to have citizenship. It was passed during the Reconstruction Era. By everyone, even slaves were included. All citizens were guaranteed protection of their laws. Before 1868, nobody had any rights or citizenship, especially black people. This started to end slavery and other segregating historic movements. Black people were finally recognized as citizens which was a huge step for the United States. 

15th Amendment 

“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” (National Constitution Center). 

The 15th Amendment was ratified on February 3, 1870. This amendment gave African Americans the right to be able to vote. This was another huge step and milestone for the United States after the 13th and 14th amendments were passed. Although black people were legally allowed and had the right to vote, Southern states took control and took that away from them to stop them from voting. They did this by literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses. At the end of this, African Americans were allowed to serve in the government, state, local office, congress, and the senate. They finally had a voice. 

Sources: 

• https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-13/#:~:text=Neither%20slavery%20nor%20involuntary%20servitude,place%20subject%20to%20their%20jurisdiction 

• https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-14/#:~:text=No%20State%20shall%20make%20or,equal%20protection%20of%20the%20laws

• https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-xv#:~:text=The%20right%20of%20citizens%20of,or%20previous%20condition%20of%20servitude.