Michigan ratifies a 203-year-old proposed amendment to the United States Constitution making the 27th Amendment law. This amendment bars the U.S. Congress from giving itself a mid-term pay raise.

Michigan: The Great Lakes State and Automotive Heartland

Nestled in the heart of the Great Lakes region, Michigan stands as a distinctive jewel of the upper Midwestern United States. Its very name, derived from a gallicized rendition of the original Ojibwe word ᒥᓯᑲᒥ (mishigami), beautifully translates to 'large water' or 'large lake,' a fitting moniker for a state so intimately connected to the world's greatest freshwater seas. Home to nearly 10.1 million people, Michigan ranks as the 10th-largest state by population. Spanning an impressive area of almost 97,000 square miles (250,000 km2), it is the 11th-largest by total area and notably holds the distinction of being the largest state by area situated east of the mighty Mississippi River.

While Lansing serves as its administrative capital, Detroit stands as Michigan's largest city, and its surrounding metropolitan area, Metro Detroit, boasts one of the nation's most populous regions and largest economies. This vibrant hub has been a driving force in American industry and culture for over a century.

A Landscape Defined by Water and Peninsulas

Michigan's geography is truly unique, marked as the only state composed of two distinct peninsulas. The Lower Peninsula, instantly recognizable on a map, is famously shaped like a mitten. To its north lies the Upper Peninsula, affectionately known by its residents and those who love it as "the U.P." These two landmasses are gracefully separated by the Straits of Mackinac, a vital five-mile (8 km) channel that acts as a natural gateway, joining the expansive waters of Lake Huron to those of Lake Michigan. Bridging this natural divide, the iconic Mackinac Bridge, a marvel of engineering, physically connects the two peninsulas, symbolizing the unity of Michigan's diverse regions.

Water is an indelible part of Michigan's identity. The state boasts the longest freshwater coastline of any political subdivision in the world, embracing four of the five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie—along with the significant Lake St. Clair. Beyond these colossal bodies of water, Michigan is dotted with an astonishing 64,980 inland lakes and ponds, contributing to its status as having the second-most water of any U.S. state, surpassed only by Alaska's vast expanses. This abundance of water shapes everything from its climate to its recreational opportunities and natural ecosystems.

A Rich Tapestry of History

The land that is now Michigan has a deep and layered history, first inhabited for thousands of years by a succession of Native American tribes, whose cultures thrived on the region's abundant resources. In the 17th century, the arrival of French explorers, often accompanied by Métis intermediaries, saw the area claimed as part of the sprawling New France colony, initiating a new era of trade, particularly in furs. Following France's defeat in the French and Indian War in 1762, the territory came under British rule. However, this period was relatively brief, as Britain ceded the territory to the newly independent United States after its defeat in the American Revolutionary War.

Initially, Michigan was part of the larger Northwest Territory. By 1800, its western portions were integrated into the Indiana Territory, leading to the formal establishment of the Michigan Territory in 1805. While the path to statehood was set, some of its northern border with Canada remained a point of contention until after the conclusion of the War of 1812. Finally, in 1837, Michigan was proudly admitted into the Union as the 26th state, entering as a free state, a significant detail in the pre-Civil War era. It quickly blossomed into an important center of industry and trade within the Great Lakes region, becoming a popular destination for immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period saw a significant influx of people, particularly from European countries such as Finland, Macedonia, and the Netherlands, drawn by the promise of work and new opportunities.

Economic Driving Forces

While Michigan has cultivated an increasingly diverse economy in recent decades, it remains globally synonymous with the U.S. automotive industry. This powerful economic force emerged in the early 20th century, profoundly shaping the state's identity and prosperity. Michigan proudly serves as home to the country's three major automobile companies, often referred to as the "Big Three," whose headquarters are all situated within Metro Detroit, cementing the region's status as the epicenter of American car manufacturing.

Economically, the state presents a fascinating dichotomy. The Upper Peninsula, while more sparsely populated, is a vital area for tourism, celebrated for its pristine natural resources, including vast forests, numerous waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines that draw visitors seeking outdoor adventure. In contrast, the Lower Peninsula is a bustling hub of manufacturing, a legacy of its industrial past, alongside thriving sectors in forestry, agriculture, a diverse array of services, and a growing high-tech industry, reflecting its ongoing economic evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan

What does the name "Michigan" mean?
The name "Michigan" is derived from the Ojibwe word mishigami, meaning 'large water' or 'large lake,' reflecting the state's extensive connection to the Great Lakes.
What are Michigan's two peninsulas called?
Michigan consists of the Lower Peninsula, often called the "Mitten State" due to its shape, and the Upper Peninsula, affectionately known as "the U.P."
What is the significance of the Straits of Mackinac?
The Straits of Mackinac are a five-mile (8 km) channel separating Michigan's two peninsulas, connecting Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, and are spanned by the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
What is Michigan's capital and largest city?
Lansing is the capital of Michigan, while Detroit is the state's largest city and economic powerhouse.
What is Michigan most famous for economically?
Michigan is most widely known as the center of the U.S. automotive industry, housing the headquarters of the "Big Three" auto companies in Metro Detroit.
When did Michigan become a state?
Michigan was admitted into the Union as the 26th state on January 26, 1837.

The Twenty-Seventh Amendment: A Testament to Enduring Principles

The Twenty-seventh Amendment (Amendment XXVII) to the United States Constitution holds a unique place in American constitutional law, primarily because of its exceptionally long and storied journey to ratification. At its core, this amendment establishes a critical check on congressional power: it prohibits any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until after the next election for the House of Representatives has occurred. This ingenious design ensures that members of Congress cannot vote themselves an immediate pay raise, requiring them to face the electorate before any such change can become effective, thereby enhancing accountability and public trust.

A Proposal from the Nation's Genesis

Remarkably, while it is the most recently adopted amendment to the U.S. Constitution, it was one of the very first proposed. The 1st Congress, during its foundational session, submitted this amendment to the states for ratification on September 25, 1789. It was part of a larger package of twelve proposed amendments, originally designated as Articles I through XII. Ten of these articles were swiftly ratified by 1791, becoming the venerable Bill of Rights, which safeguards fundamental individual liberties. However, the first two proposed articles—the one that would eventually become the Twenty-seventh Amendment and the proposed Congressional Apportionment Amendment—did not garner sufficient support from the states at that time and thus failed to come into force alongside the Bill of Rights.

The "Sleeping Amendment" Awakens

For nearly two centuries, the proposed congressional pay amendment remained largely forgotten, a constitutional curiosity gathering dust in the annals of history. Its remarkable resurgence began in 1982, thanks to the tenacious efforts of Gregory Watson. Then a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, Watson wrote a paper for a government class in which he boldly argued that the amendment, despite its age, could still be ratified, as no expiration date had ever been attached to it. His professor, initially skeptical, gave him a "C" for the paper, but Watson, undeterred, launched a tireless nationwide campaign to complete its ratification. Through his dedicated efforts, he brought the overlooked amendment back into the national consciousness, prompting state legislatures across the country to reconsider and ultimately ratify it.

The amendment finally achieved its constitutional status, becoming part of the United States Constitution, effective on May 5, 1992. This culminated in a record-setting ratification period of an astonishing 202 years, 7 months, and 10 days. This monumental achievement shattered the previous record held by the Twenty-second Amendment, which limited presidential terms, ratified in a mere 3 years and 343 days. Watson's success stands as a unique testament to the enduring power of a single individual's conviction and the remarkably flexible amendment process enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

The Principle Behind the Amendment

The core idea underpinning the Twenty-seventh Amendment is a robust commitment to reducing the potential for corruption and fostering greater accountability within the legislative branch. By requiring an intervening election before any change to a congressperson's salary can take effect, the amendment provides a crucial mechanism for public oversight. It empowers the citizenry to remove members of Congress from office if they disapprove of their actions, including decisions related to their own compensation, before those salary increases can actually benefit the incumbents. This ensures that congressional representatives remain acutely aware of their public duty and the consequences of their financial decisions, reinforcing the democratic principle that elected officials are ultimately servants of the people.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Twenty-seventh Amendment

What is the main purpose of the Twenty-seventh Amendment?
The Twenty-seventh Amendment prohibits any law that changes the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until after the next election of the House of Representatives.
When was the Twenty-seventh Amendment originally proposed?
It was originally proposed by the 1st Congress on September 25, 1789, making it one of the earliest proposed amendments.
Who played a key role in its modern ratification?
Gregory Watson, a college student, initiated a nationwide campaign in 1982 that led to its eventual ratification after centuries of dormancy.
How long did it take for the Twenty-seventh Amendment to be ratified?
It took 202 years, 7 months, and 10 days to be ratified, making it the longest ratification period in U.S. constitutional history.
When did the Twenty-seventh Amendment become effective?
It became effective on May 5, 1992.
Why was this amendment created?
The amendment was created to reduce the potential for corruption in the legislative branch and ensure public accountability by requiring an election before any congressional pay raise takes effect.