On Politics

Thu Feb 8 2024

Sudiksha Kochi | Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter

@KochiSudiksha

Hello OnPolitics readers! The Supreme Court today heard former President Donald Trump's appeal of a Colorado ruling that booted him from the primary ballot in the state.

The court's decision could have huge implications for this year's presidential election. If the justices reject Trump's arguments and uphold Colorado's decision, other states would be able to follow suit and remove him from their ballots, as USA TODAY's Kinsey Crowley reported.

Colorado's Supreme Court made its decision to disqualify Trump under a provision of the 14th Amendment. But what is the 14th Amendment? How could it impact the 2024 election? Here's what to know.

❓ What is the 14th amendment? The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed in the post-Civil War era, intended to extend liberties in the Bill of Rights to formerly enslaved people. It was passed by Congress in June 1866 and ratified in July 1868.

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🗎 What is section 3 of the 14th amendment? Section 3 bars anyone who has engaged in insurrection after swearing to uphold the Constitution (by being sworn into office, for example), from holding office again.

⚖️ What does this have to do with Trump? Colorado's lawsuit was one of several across the country that invoked Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to say that Trump is disqualified from being president again, alleging he engaged in the Capitol riot. His lawyers disagree, arguing Trump didn't play a direct role and that section was never meant to apply to the office of the presidency.