Meaning: The quote by Judy Biggert, a former American politician, reflects her perspective on the issue of marriage and its regulation in the United States. In her statement, she highlights the historical absence of constitutional amendments specifically addressing marriage-related issues such as polygamy, bigamy, and child marriages. Biggert's assertion serves as a starting point for discussing the historical and legal treatment of marriage in the United States, as well as the mechanisms through which marriage laws and regulations have been established and enforced.

Marriage has been a fundamental institution in human societies for millennia, and its legal and social regulation has varied widely across different cultures and historical periods. In the United States, marriage has been primarily regulated at the state level, with individual states having the authority to establish laws governing marriage, including age requirements, consent, and the recognition of different forms of marriage such as polygamy or same-sex marriage.

The regulation of marriage in the United States has evolved over time, often in response to changing social and cultural norms. While the federal government has not typically played a direct role in regulating marriage, there have been instances where federal laws and court decisions have had a significant impact on marriage-related issues. For example, the Supreme Court's ruling in Loving v. Virginia in 1967 effectively invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage, marking a significant moment in the history of marriage regulation in the United States.

In her quote, Biggert emphasizes the absence of specific constitutional amendments addressing marriage-related issues. This observation is historically accurate, as the U.S. Constitution does not contain explicit provisions regarding the regulation of marriage. Instead, the authority to regulate marriage has been delegated to the individual states, leading to significant variation in marriage laws and practices across the country.

The issue of polygamy and bigamy, as mentioned in Biggert's quote, has been addressed through state laws rather than federal constitutional amendments. Early in U.S. history, the practice of polygamy was a subject of controversy, particularly in the context of the expansion of the country into western territories. The federal government ultimately intervened, with Congress passing laws such as the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act of 1862 and the Edmunds Act of 1882 to prohibit polygamy and bigamy. These laws targeted the practice of plural marriage within the context of the Mormon Church, and the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the constitutionality of anti-polygamy laws in Reynolds v. United States (1879).

Similarly, the establishment of a uniform age of majority to ban child marriages has been primarily addressed through state legislation rather than a constitutional amendment. Each state has its own laws setting the minimum age for marriage, with some states allowing exceptions for minors under certain circumstances. In recent years, there has been increased attention to the issue of child marriage, leading to legislative efforts in various states to raise the minimum age for marriage and impose additional safeguards to prevent coerced or underage marriages.

Overall, Biggert's quote brings attention to the complex and multifaceted nature of marriage regulation in the United States. While the Constitution itself does not contain explicit provisions on marriage, the issue has been shaped by a combination of state laws, federal interventions, and judicial decisions. The ongoing evolution of marriage laws and practices reflects the dynamic interplay between legal frameworks, societal values, and cultural norms, illustrating the complexity of this fundamental institution in American society.

In conclusion, Judy Biggert's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the historical and legal treatment of marriage in the United States. By highlighting the absence of specific constitutional amendments addressing marriage-related issues, Biggert draws attention to the decentralized and evolving nature of marriage regulation in the United States. Understanding the historical and legal context of marriage regulation provides valuable insights into the complexities of this fundamental institution and the ongoing efforts to ensure fairness, equality, and protection within the institution of marriage.