Julie Suk

Suk will examine how the arduous process of amending the U.S. Constitution has shaped the prospects for equality and social inclusion as a matter of law and public policy. The project draws on the legislative and ratification histories of the Civil War amendments that sought the inclusion of African Americans, the progressive era amendments that sought greater distributive justice and the inclusion of women, and several failed amendments. It will assess the barriers imposed by the law of constitutional amendment to America's path towards becoming a more inclusive and equitable democracy.