27th Amendment (1992) Preventing self-approved pay raises for Congress
The Twenty-Seventh Amendment restricts Congress from giving itself immediate pay raises.
It ensures accountability to voters.
Plain-English summary of the 27th Amendment
Members of Congress cannot increase their pay unless voters have a chance to respond in an election first.
What the 27th Amendment actually says (short excerpt)
“No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect…”
In plain English: voters get the final say.
How the 27th Amendment limits government power
What the government may NOT do
Secretly raise its own pay.
What citizens control
Approval through elections.
Which branch is most affected
Congress.
Everyday examples
Delayed pay raises tied to elections.
Historical story – an amendment centuries later
Proposed in 1789, this amendment was ratified over 200 years later, proving constitutional limits never expire.
Historical quote
James Madison argued lawmakers must remain accountable to the people.
This amendment enforces that idea.
USCIS civics test connection
Question
Who makes federal laws?
Correct short answer
Congress.
This amendment limits Congress’s self-interest.
Quick recap
It restrains lawmakers.
It protects taxpayers.
It reinforces accountability.