FIFTEEN AMENDMENTS SINCE 1865: IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
The underpinning of America's existence is steeped within foundation of guiding principles that afford the perpetuation of a civilized nation. The extent to which the fifteen post-Civil War ratified amendments reflect a broad glance at United States history from 1865 is both grand and far-reaching; that they have a tendency to lean a great deal toward preventing authoritarian governments, ensuring checks and balances are in place and guaranteeing personal liberties speaks to the accuracy with which these fifteen amendments depict what has transpired during these past many decades.
In the final analysis, it is the Constitution that is the foundation and guarantor of the people's liberties, protecting their rights to freedom of speech and to worship as they please…I do not believe that Americans can participate meaningfully in their government if they do not know the legal foundation and principles upon which it is based (Byrd, 2006).
The Civil War left a lasting impression upon how America would ultimately progress as a nation; if it was to move in the right direction with regard to positive growth, there would have to be at least some degree of constitutional ratification despite stringent barriers the founders put in place to protect against this very thing. Clearly, they did not anticipate the need to embellish upon their already-protective shield and as such did not want the Constitution arbitrarily ratified at the whims of those in power. This was very valuable foresight on the founders' part inasmuch as it did protect the fundamental patchwork of how America's infrastructure must remain in order for her people to stay free and always have the Jeffersonian elements of life, libert