Hollingsworth v. Virginia, 3 Dallas (3 U.S.) 378; 1 L. Ed. 644 (1798)
Facts—After the Court’s decision in Chisholm v. Georgia (1793), Congress proposed the Eleventh Amendment providing that no state could be sued by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of a foreign state.
Question—Does an amendment to the U.S. Constitution require the president’s signature?
Decision—No.
Reasons—J. Chase (unanimous). There is no necessity for an amendment to be shown to the president. The constitutional requirement of presidential signature applies only to ordinary legislation. The action of Congress in proposing an amendment is a constituent rather than legislative act.
