Nobility: Facts and Can Americans Claim Nobility

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What is Nobility

The United States Constitution has what is known as the Titles of Nobility Clause (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8). This provision prohibits the federal government from issuing titles of nobility and restricts members of the government from receiving titles, offices and gifts from any emperor, royalty or foreign power. It is also referred to as the Federal Nobility Clause because it refers specifically to the federal government. American states are banned from issuing titles of nobility in another clause of Article I.

There were two reasons for the nobility clause in the Constitution. The first was to prevent the establishment of a nobility in America. The second was to protect the United States from the influence of outside governments. America is a republic and the founders were concerned that one of the weaknesses of this form of government is that foreign governments might influence state or federal laws. They could do this by granting titles or providing other gifts. Thomas Paine felt that titles of nobility did not belong in a society where all men and women are equal. Benjamin Franklin felt that titles of nobility were acceptable if gained through an individual’s hard work. Many people in America at the time of the Revolution associated titles of nobility with the greed and corruption they had seen in European nobility.

The title of the president of the United States was one of the first issues the Senate addressed. Most senators were loathe to refer to the president in anything reminiscent of European royalty. Vice President John Adams, however, recommended a title which began “His Highness.” Other ideas included “His Majesty” or “His Excellency.” George Washington was embarrassed by the debate so it was terminated. It was agreed that American presidents would be referred to as President of the United States or Mr./Ms. President.

Can Americans Claim Nobility?

An amendment to the Constitution called the Titles of Nobility Amendment was proposed in 1810. This proposal, if ratified, would have stripped citizenship from an American citizen who had received a title of nobility or honor from a foreign state. Citizens would also be prohibited from receiving gifts from foreign powers without first obtaining the consent of Congress. It is believed that this proposed amendment was in reaction to a request of nobility from France for a son born to Jerome Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon, and an American, Betsy Patterson.

This amendment was not ratified by the necessary three-fourths of the states so it did not become part of the Constitution. In a quirk of American history, the Titles of Nobility Amendment was printed as the Thirteenth Amendment in some 19th century versions of the American Constitution. This has led some individuals to assert that it was ratified. No court has upheld this idea, however, no time limit was established for the ratification of this amendment. Thus if it were to obtain the necessary three-fourths vote today, it would become part of the Constitution. The actual Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in 1865.

One of the most commonly known titles is honorary knighthoods given by the United Kingdom. Over 60 American citizens have been given honorary knighthoods since the 1940s. Knighthoods are not titles of nobility and grant no privileges to the honoree. General Norman Schwarzkopf received an honorary knighthood while he was still serving in the American military. Schwarzkopf did not violate the federal nobility clause because knighthoods are not included. Congress allows knighthoods because they are of minimal value and the acceptance of a knighthood is seen as a sign of courtesy to the United Kingdom. Although it is not possible to renounce an honorary knighthood once it has been accepted, it can be revoked.

The number of American citizens who have claimed actual titles of nobility are few. While they are not allowed to serve in state or federal government, their citizenship is protected. It may be possible for Americans with titles of nobility to renounce their title if they desire to serve in the government. The other provisions of the federal and state nobility clauses deal with gifts, offices and pensions. Such items can be permitted by an act of Congress.

Resource by F.Rosseti

I am a teacher in Michigan. I grew up in Florida and have lived here in MI for close to 15 years. I enjoy writing and skiing in my spare time.

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