The 1957 Georgia Memorial to Congress, which petitions the U.S. Congress to declare the ratification of the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution null and void, is adopted by the U.S. state of Georgia.

Understanding the 1957 Georgia Memorial to Congress

In a significant moment of post-Civil War political contention, the state of Georgia took a bold stance in 1957, formally challenging two foundational amendments to the U.S. Constitution. This came in the form of the 1957 Georgia Memorial to Congress, a joint resolution adopted by the state's legislature and subsequently approved by Governor Marvin Griffin on March 8, 1957.

At its heart, this resolution was a direct appeal to the United States Congress. Georgia's lawmakers were urging the federal legislative body to declare both the 14th and 15th Amendments null and void. The basis for this extraordinary request stemmed from what Georgia described as "purported violations of the Constitution" that allegedly occurred during the tumultuous post-Civil War ratification process.

Historical Context and Georgia's Stance

To fully grasp the motivations behind the 1957 Georgia Memorial, it's essential to consider the historical backdrop. The 14th and 15th Amendments, ratified in 1868 and 1870 respectively, were pivotal Reconstruction Era measures designed to protect the rights of newly freed slaves. The 14th Amendment famously granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. (including former slaves) and guaranteed equal protection of the laws, while the 15th Amendment prohibited denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

Decades later, especially in the mid-20th century during the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, many Southern states viewed these amendments, particularly their enforcement by the federal government, as infringements on states' rights and local autonomy. Georgia's resolution, approved by Governor Marvin Griffin, reflected a deep-seated resistance to federal intervention and the legal framework established post-Civil War, particularly concerning racial equality. By claiming constitutional violations during the original ratification, Georgia sought to undermine the legitimacy of these amendments, which were crucial to advancing civil rights.

The Call to Nullify

The resolution explicitly asked Congress to render these amendments invalid, asserting that their adoption process had been flawed. This wasn't merely a symbolic gesture; it represented a direct challenge to the legal foundation of civil rights legislation and federal authority, echoing sentiments of states' rights prevalent in the South. The document highlighted the belief that the original ratification had circumvented proper constitutional procedures, thus rendering the amendments illegitimate in Georgia's view. This audacious move by the Georgia legislature in 1957 stands as a powerful historical marker of the resistance faced by federal efforts to secure civil liberties.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 1957 Georgia Memorial

What was the 1957 Georgia Memorial to Congress?
It was a joint resolution passed by the Georgia state legislature and approved by Governor Marvin Griffin on March 8, 1957, formally requesting the U.S. Congress to declare the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution null and void.
Why did Georgia seek to nullify the 14th and 15th Amendments?
Georgia claimed that there were "purported violations of the Constitution" during the ratification process of these amendments in the post-Civil War era. This was part of a broader push by some Southern states to resist federal civil rights initiatives and uphold states' rights, especially during the emerging Civil Rights Movement.
Who approved the resolution?
Georgia Governor Marvin Griffin approved the joint resolution on March 8, 1957.
What are the 14th and 15th Amendments?
The 14th Amendment (ratified 1868) grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and ensures equal protection under the law. The 15th Amendment (ratified 1870) prohibits the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Was the 1957 Georgia Memorial successful?
No, the resolution did not succeed in its aim. The 14th and 15th Amendments remain fundamental parts of the U.S. Constitution and have been foundational to civil rights laws.