Amendment XXVII
Congressional Pay
Ratified May 7, 1992
Amendment XXVII was one of the original 12 amendments proposed by Congress in 1789 alongside the Bill of Rights, but languished unratified for nearly two centuries. University of Texas student Gregory Watson rediscovered it in 1982 and launched a successful ratification campaign, making it the longest-pending amendment ever ratified.
Full Text
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
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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