Titles of Nobility Amendment

[Keith Broaders]

The Titles of Nobility Amendment (TONA), proposed in 1810, aimed to prevent Americans from accepting or retaining foreign titles of nobility without congressional consent. Its primary purpose was to safeguard the United States' republican values and sovereignty by ensuring that U.S. citizens, particularly those in positions of power, remained loyal to the nation and were not influenced by foreign governments or monarchies through the conferment of aristocratic titles.

The amendment was a response to concerns during the early 19th century about foreign influence in American politics, especially given the tensions with European powers like Britain and France. At the time, the U.S. was a young nation striving to maintain its independence and avoid entanglement in European aristocratic systems. The amendment sought to reinforce the democratic principle of equality by prohibiting citizens from accepting titles that could create a sense of privilege or divided allegiance.

The proposed amendment stated that any U.S. citizen who accepted, claimed, or retained a title of nobility or honor from a foreign power, or received associated emoluments (benefits or payments), without Congress's approval, would lose their citizenship and be barred from holding public office. This was intended to protect the integrity of the government by ensuring public officials prioritized American interests over foreign affiliations.

Although the amendment passed both houses of Congress, it was not ratified by the required number of states and never became part of the Constitution. Some sources note its ratification fell short, with only 12 of the necessary 13 states approving it by 1815, and the issue faded as foreign influence concerns waned. However, it reflected the era's deep suspicion of foreign interference and a commitment to republican ideals over aristocratic traditions.

There are fringe claims, often found in posts on X or obscure websites, suggesting TONA was secretly ratified or tied to broader conspiracies (e.g., involving lawyers or a "missing 13th Amendment"). These lack credible evidence and are generally dismissed by historians, as no official records support such assertions. The amendment's purpose remains rooted in its historical context of protecting national sovereignty and democratic principles.