The 27th Amendment: A Lesson in Persistence

The 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution stands out as an extraordinary example of democracy in action. Ratified on May 7, 1992—more than 200 years after it was first proposed—the amendment prevents potential abuses of power and highlights the determination of one individual to bring about change. Its story is one of resilience, the enduring power of the Constitution, and the idea that ordinary people can make a difference.

What Does the 27th Amendment Say?

The 27th Amendment might seem simple at first glance, but its purpose is rooted in fairness and accountability. It states:

“No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.”

To put it plainly, the amendment stops Congress from giving itself an immediate pay raise. Any decision to change congressional salaries only takes effect after the next election. This means lawmakers have to face voters before they can benefit from a pay increase, providing a check on their power.

Why does this matter? Without this safeguard, members of Congress could vote to increase their salaries without any accountability to the public. The 27th Amendment ensures that voters have a say in the process, giving them the opportunity to express approval—or disapproval—of their representatives’ actions at the ballot box.

A Long and Forgotten History

The story of the 27th Amendment begins in 1789, when it was first proposed as part of a larger package of amendments. These proposals were intended to strengthen the Constitution, and ten of them were quickly ratified to form the Bill of Rights. However, not all of the proposed amendments were approved.

The pay-related amendment garnered some support, but it didn’t gain enough traction to be ratified by the required three-fourths of the states. At the time, people were more focused on other pressing issues, and the idea of regulating congressional pay didn’t seem urgent. Over time, the amendment was largely forgotten, collecting dust in the annals of history.

For nearly two centuries, it seemed as though the amendment would never be revisited. But history has a funny way of surprising us.

A College Student’s Unexpected Crusade

Fast forward to 1982, when Gregory Watson, a college sophomore at the University of Texas, stumbled upon the long-forgotten proposal while researching for a political science paper. Watson’s professor had assigned the class to write about governmental processes, and in the process of digging through documents, Watson came across the unfinished business of the 27th Amendment.

He argued in his paper that the amendment could still be ratified because it didn’t include a time limit. At the time, most constitutional amendments had a deadline for ratification, but this one did not. Watson’s professor wasn’t convinced and gave him a C. Instead of shrugging it off, Watson turned his frustration into a mission.

Convinced that the amendment still mattered, Watson launched a grassroots campaign to revive it. He wrote letters to state legislators, explaining the importance of the amendment and urging them to ratify it. His efforts gradually yielded results. By the late 1980s, a growing number of states started to approve the amendment, and on May 7, 1992, Michigan became the 38th state to ratify it—finally making it part of the Constitution.

Why the 27th Amendment Matters

At first glance, the 27th Amendment might not seem as groundbreaking as some of the other amendments, but it plays a critical role in upholding the principles of democracy.

1. Accountability for Lawmakers
The amendment ensures that lawmakers can’t immediately benefit from decisions they make about their own salaries. If they vote to raise their pay, they have to wait until after the next election, giving voters a chance to weigh in. Such an arrangement creates a layer of accountability that discourages self-serving behavior.

2. The Constitution’s Enduring Power
The 27th Amendment is a reminder that the Constitution is a living document, capable of adapting to new circumstances, even centuries after its creation. The fact that an idea from 1789 could become law in 1992 shows the enduring relevance of the Constitution and the flexibility of the amendment process.

3. The Power of One Person
Perhaps the most inspiring part of the 27th Amendment’s story is Gregory Watson’s role in its revival. Watson wasn’t a politician or a lawyer; he was just a college student with a passion for government and a belief in the system. His persistence demonstrates that one person, armed with determination and a clear vision, can make a real difference.

The 27th Amendment in Action Today

Although the 27th Amendment rarely makes headlines, it remains a crucial safeguard in the U.S. political system. It ensures that changes to congressional salaries happen transparently and fairly, giving voters the power to hold their representatives accountable.

Beyond its practical effects, the amendment serves as a symbol of what is possible in a democracy. It reminds us that the Constitution isn’t just a document for the past—it’s a guide for the present and future. It demonstrates that even in a system that can seem slow and bureaucratic, persistence can lead to meaningful change.

The journey of the 27th Amendment is a testament to the resilience of American democracy. It’s proof that the principles laid out by the Founding Fathers can still resonate and that, with enough determination, even an idea that was nearly forgotten can find its place in history.