section 3 of the 14th amendment
Section 3 of the 14th Amendment
Answer:
Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is an important provision that addresses the issue of loyalty to the Constitution. It is commonly referred to as the “Disqualification Clause” or the “Rebellion Clause.”
Section 3 states that no person shall hold any office, both at the federal and state level, if they have engaged in rebellion, supported the enemies of the United States, or taken part in insurrection against the Constitution. The section also gives Congress the power to remove this disqualification through a two-thirds majority vote.
This provision was primarily aimed at former Confederate officials and individuals who had actively participated in the Civil War against the Union. It was intended as a means to prevent those who had sought to overthrow the United States government from holding positions of power.
Section 3 has been used sparingly in history, but in a few instances, Congress has explicitly removed the disqualification for certain individuals through legislation. This has typically occurred long after the events that led to disqualification, such as in the case of Jefferson Davis, the former President of the Confederate States of America.
Overall, the purpose of Section 3 is to ensure that those who have actively worked against the Constitution and sought to undermine the principles of the United States are not able to hold positions of authority within the government.