Amendment26W1

= Twenty-Sixth Amendment =



Q1.) What was the age to vote before the 26th amendment? A1.) The age to vote before the 26th amendment was 21.

Q2.) What president ratified the 26th amendment? A2.) President Richard M. Nixon signed the bill, the 26th amendment was approved.

Q3.) Was it ever vetoed? A3.) The 26th amendment was never vetoed and was ratified quickly.

Q4.) Why did Americans feel that changing the voting age was needed? A4.) You are allowed to fight at war at 18 years old, you can definitely vote......because if you're saving a life, you should have the right to vote.

Q5.) How did it effect the electorate? A5.) The 26th amendment caused a major increase in the percentage of 18-24 year olds voting in 1971 when the amendment was ratified. More than 50 percent of the voters were between the age of 18-24.

Q6.) Who fought for this amendment to be ratified? A6.) Mostly young men who fought in the Vietnam War fought for this amendment to be ratified.

Q7.) What states ratified this amendment ? A7.) 42 states ratified this amendment. 8 stated chose not to, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi,Nevada ,New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah.

Q8) How long did it take for the amendment to be ratified? A8.) It took 3 months and 8 days after it was submitted,which made it the fastest amendment to be ratified.

9.) What almost stopped the ratification of the amendment? A9.) The Oregon v. Mitchell Case (1970) is a case in which the Supreme Court of the United States held and stated that the Congress could set voter age requirements for federal elections but not for state elections.This almost stopped the ratification of the amendment.

10.) How did the Vietnam war contribute to the amendment being passed ? A10.) Men fought in the Vietnam War, and some who where under 21 couldn't vote. The minimum age to fight is 18 and this caused the idea that the voting age needs to be lowered because it was unfair that men risking their lives couldn't vote in their country.

[]
 * A helpful video to help you understand in depth about the 26th amendment. **

1. What issues promoted the creation of the 26th amendment?MP The issues that promoted the creation of the 26th amendment were when 18 year olds felt they could be forced to serve in the military, but could not vote. The age to vote was not always 18 and there were restrictions. At the time of the Vietnam War, 18 year old men were angry that they could not choose the representatives that were responsible for sending them to war. In the 1970, the case of Oregon v. Mitchell ruled that Congress had the right to regulate the minimum age in FEDERAL but not at STATE and LOCAL. This added to the support for the 26 th amendment to allow the voting age to be 18 and no discrimination. "old enough to fight,old enough to vote" was a popular slogan amongst the young men at the time of the Vietnam War. The ratification was a result of student activism and demonstrations against the Vietnam War! (History.com)



==== 2. What impact did your amendment have on society on that time?AC The 26th amendment had a very significant effect on society. If people were old enough to fight in the war at 18, then they should defiantly have the right to vote at that age also. If you're able to save a life you should defiantly be able to vote for president, and then some. Voting is a privilege, and everyone over 18 should be able to. Only being able to vote over 21 is ridiculous. The voting age today is fine and should not be changed. This amendment was very helpful and it would be very unconstitutional, if someone over 18 was denied. Lastly, this amendment made the electorate rise.(History.com) ====

Citations

History.com []

constitutionalcenter.org

[] Law.cornell.edu [] Democarcyday.com

[] = = =Current events= []

The article Why the Voting Age Should be 17 written by Politco Magazine (February,2015)5, shows how our constitutional amendments affect today's society. The basic argument supported is that "if the government affects you, you get to vote" Many feel that by the age of 17 you are mature enough to make a decision in the government rule. It was also thought that voting is habitual, and once you vote you will most likely make it a part of your life to vote again. This will attract many more voters and allow them to become knowledgeable of our government. In addition, it was thought that at 17 many people are still living at home and van be influenced by older family members to vote. This will help to keep society involved in the election process. Today we still take pride in voting and see the effect it has on society. The young voters show interest in public policy and it's changes. The 26th Amendment to lower the voting age because if you were old enough to fight for your country in uniform you should be old enough to vote, is the basis of our democracy today. Allowing the youth to have a say in matters of life and death, war and peace. Today, we value our youth's opinion in government. They are our future and should be able to have a say in government. They are studying about issues in their current education, so at the age of 18 it is real to them and has meaning. The 26th amendment has allowed the youth to respect the civic responsibility of the importance of voting.

[] The article A 16-year old is as good as an 18-year old or a 40-year-old at voting (November,2015), supports the argument that we youth at this age of 16 are allowed to take on greater responsibilities such as driving, contracts, work, so why not allow them to vote. Scientists feel that adolescent judgements will be influenced by doing research or asking questions which in turn will be a better decision. At the age of 16, you are still active in your education and involved in decision making. Aspects of emotional and intellectual maturity between adults and adolescents have been proven to have similarities. Although there is an argument for emotional input that might affect a 16 yr old's decision, many feel that a 40 yr old can do the same. There has been an ongoing discussion about the age of adulthood in many societies around the world. The 26th amendment has allowed for the voting age to be lowered from 21 to 18. Today it has allowed to have discussion to lower the age to 16. The amendment has been revisited based on today's youth and their active roll in government policy. It has given a chance for the youth to apply what knowledge they have been studying in school, to their current government life. Such an amendment has attracted a new young audience to make important decisions affecting our future. The participation of youth has made the election process strong. As for what age it should be agreed on, there are many pros and cons. The main argument is that if the government affects you and your life, you should be able to vote and have a say.