Which amendment prohibits a citizen of one state from suing another state in federal court without the consent of the state being sued?

Which amendment prohibits a citizen of one state from suing another state in federal court without the consent of the state being sued?

• A. The Sixth Amendment
• B. The Ninth Amendment
• C. The Eleventh Amendment
• D. The Fifteenth Amendment

Answer: (C)

Sovereign immunity limits when a state can be sued in federal court. The Eleventh Amendment says the federal judiciary cannot hear a suit against one state by citizens of another state (or by foreigners) unless the state being sued consents to the suit. This protection of state sovereignty means you can’t sue a state in federal court without that consent, except in narrow situations where Congress has validly overridden or the state waives immunity. That’s why this amendment is the correct choice. Other amendments cover different areas of rights and procedures, not this immunity rule.

Sovereign immunity limits when a state can be sued in federal court. The Eleventh Amendment says the federal judiciary cannot hear a suit against one state by citizens of another state (or by foreigners) unless the state being sued consents to the suit. This protection of state sovereignty means you can’t sue a state in federal court without that consent, except in narrow situations where Congress has validly overridden or the state waives immunity. That’s why this amendment is the correct choice. Other amendments cover different areas of rights and procedures, not this immunity rule.