Constitution Cards

All cards โ€บ Amendment XI

Amendment XI: Limits on suing states

Passed by Congress March 4, 1794. Ratified February 7, 1795.

In plain English

Federal courts can't hear lawsuits against a state brought by citizens of another state or of a foreign country.

Article III, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by amendment 11.

Original 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.

Plain-English summaries are simplified for learning. Courts interpret these words in detail; this is general information, not legal advice.

Source: National Archives