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The Constitution of the United States of America
Additional Amendments, Amendment XI
Introduction:
The Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution addresses the judicial power of the United States and limits the ability of individuals to sue states in federal court. Ratified in 1795, it was a response to the Supreme Court case Chisholm v. Georgia, which allowed a citizen of one state to sue another state. The amendment establishes that states cannot be sued by citizens of another state or by foreign citizens in federal court, thereby reinforcing the principle of state sovereignty. This amendment is significant in shaping the relationship between state and federal judicial authority.
Actual Text:
“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. ”
