The Sixteenth Amendment, ratified on February 3, 1913, specifically allowed Congress to levy a federal income tax without apportioning it among the states or basing it on population. Before this amendment, federal taxation was limited and often complicated. This change provided the federal government with a consistent and flexible source of revenue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

The Twentieth Amendment, ratified on January 23, 1933, moved the start date of presidential terms from March 4 to January 20 and congressional terms to January 3. This amendment shortened the “lame-duck” period, allowing newly elected officials to take office sooner and ensuring that the government could respond more quickly after elections.

The Seventeenth Amendment, ratified on April 8, 1913, changed the process for selecting U.S. senators from appointment by state legislatures to direct election by the citizens of each state. This amendment expanded voter participation in national government and reduced opportunities for corruption in the legislative selection process.

The Twenty-Fourth Amendment, ratified on January 23, 1964, specifically prohibited the use of poll taxes as a requirement to vote in federal elections. Poll taxes had been used in some states to prevent certain groups of people from voting. By eliminating this barrier, the amendment ensured that financial status could not limit citizens’ ability to participate in federal elections.

The Twenty-Fifth Amendment, ratified in 1967, clarifies the rules for presidential succession and establishes a process for filling a vacancy in the office of vice president. It was adopted to ensure stability and continuity in the executive branch during times of transition or uncertainty.