Which amendment states that a citizen may not sue a state in federal court?

The 11th Amendment clearly establishes the principle of state sovereign immunity, which protects states from being sued by individuals in federal court without their consent. Ratified in 1795, the amendment clarifies that the federal judicial power does not extend to lawsuits against a state by citizens of another state or by citizens or subjects of a foreign state.

This was a significant clarification aimed at limiting the jurisdiction of federal courts over states, thereby reinforcing the balance between state and federal authority. The ramifications of the 11th Amendment indicate that states have a legal shield that insulates them from certain legal actions taken in federal court, reflecting the framers' intent to preserve state sovereignty and autonomy within the federal system.

Understanding this amendment is crucial for comprehending the limitations placed on federal courts and the protection of state rights within the constitutional framework.