Encyclopedia of Amendments, Proposed Amendments, & Amending Issues

Encyclopedia of Constitutional Amendments, Proposed Amendments, and Amending Issues, 1789-1995 focuses on describing the 27 amendments that have been proposed and ratified and the hundreds of other topics that have been proposed as subjects of amendments. Over 400 alphabetically arranged entries explore everything from affirmative action, balancing the budget, and the Contract with America to victims' rights and world government. Constitutional reforms introduced outside of Congress (including more than 50 proposals to rewrite the Constitution) are addressed, in addition to pivotal Supreme Court decisions that serve to underscore and reflect the continual interplay between amendments and this highest body in the judicial branch. Essential amending issues that remain unresolved, ranging from abortion to term limits, and critical elections are among the entries rounding out this work. Each entry employs a consistent format that describes the topic, explains its significance, and highlights the key players involved. Entries have been extensively cross-referenced to enable general readers, students, and advanced researchers alike to access information quickly.