| AMENDMENTS 13, 14, 15 And this nation of ours, having passed through great wars, Was no longer a child sporting scrapes but no scars. Days of dealing had come, as all growth requires, With the problems profound and with competing desires. And to share in one land, yet in various parts, Means the customs we value and which tug at our hearts Will run this way and that, and not always match up, -- Leaving the law to decide how best to keep step. And in the wake of the war, some changes occurred To hold this grand project more true to her word: As a safe home for freedom, one promised to all, And nowhere denied throughout her great sprawl. So to set this house straight, to now right the ship (you can choose any metaphor you find clever and hip) Thoughtful folks wracked their brains to draft a solution And make new amends to the U.S. Constitution. Yes, for the land's highest law, some fixes came next, Like Amendment 13, which completely rejects The holding of slaves, that cruel use of chains, -- A great monster now dead, but whose shadow remains. And then was it written to inform every state: That equal treatment for all, they may not abate. And so by our laws, it is now guaranteed The rights of all persons are to be guarded indeed. And respect for this rule stands tall and supreme, We call it Due Process, by Amendment 14. So to be treated alike in a manner most just Is not a state's preference -- it's a national MUST! Hence, for religion, for race, for wealth and for birth, The law's eyes are blind -- we're all equal in worth. And just one more item, it is quite crucial to note: Amendment 15 declares that all races may vote! |
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| Worksheet # 73 |
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