Amendment XI
State Sovereign Immunity
Ratified February 7, 1795
Amendment XI was the first amendment to overturn a Supreme Court decision. Chisholm v. Georgia (1793) had allowed a South Carolina citizen to sue Georgia in federal court. The amendment was ratified to reverse this, establishing that states have sovereign immunity from suits by out-of-state citizens in federal courts.
Full Text
The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.
Annotated Version
The Amendments XI–XXVII document includes phrase highlights and court case references for this amendment.
Constitutional Framework
Original Text
U.S. Constitution
Articles I–VII (1787). The three branches, enumerated powers, and the framework these amendments modify.
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Amendments I–X
Bill of Rights
Ratified December 15, 1791. Freedom of religion, speech, press, arms, due process, and more.
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Amendments XI–XXVII
Later Amendments
Ratified 1795–1992. Abolition of slavery, equal protection, women's suffrage, and more.
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