Constitutional Gridlock: A Symptom of Broader American Dysfunction The US Constitution, often revered for its timelessness and flexibility, has become a symbol of legislative gridlock.
The latest development – a failed attempt to repeal the 16th Amendment, which allows for federal income tax – is merely one example in a broader pattern of Congressional inaction.
Since the 1971 ratification of the 26th Amendment, establishing 18 as the voting age, only two amendments have been successfully added: the 27th Amendment, proposed in 1789 and ratified in 1992, and the 16th Amendment itself.