Eleventh Amendment

Suits Against States

Passed by Congress March 4, 1794. Ratified February 7, 1795. The 11th Amendment changed a portion of Article III, Section 2

Text of the Amendment

The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.

Interpretations & Debate

Read scholarly interpretations of the Eleventh Amendment from the National Constitution Center, where constitutional scholars across the political spectrum debate its meaning and application.

Source

Adapted from the National Constitution Center, which provides the canonical text and scholarly interpretations of the Eleventh Amendment.