What does the 20th Amendment address?

Study for the FCLE Court Cases and Amendments Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your test!

The 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution primarily addresses the terms of office for Congress and the President. Ratified in 1933, it is designed to reduce the amount of time that can elapse between an election and the start of the new term. Specifically, it states that the President's term ends at noon on January 20 and that Congress should convene at noon on January 3. This amendment was created to ensure a quicker transition of power and to minimize the period during which a president might be elected but not yet in office—a situation that could lead to a lack of effective governance.

As for the other options, they address different issues not related to the 20th Amendment. The right to vote in federal elections, for example, is primarily covered by amendments like the 15th, 19th, and 26th. Prohibition of alcohol sales refers to the 18th Amendment. Civil rights for all citizens are addressed primarily through the 14th Amendment and subsequent civil rights legislation. Therefore, the focus of the 20th Amendment on the timing and terms of office makes the correct answer clear.

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