The purpose of amendments to the United States Constitution has generally been to

Protect the United States and keep it running smoothly and letting the people decide who they want in office to represent them.

Explanation:

Amendments are made to protect the people, country, and in some cases ensure power within the people.

native americans suffered high rates of poverty and unemployment.

during the late 1960s and early 1970sthe need for political militancy grew among the native americans. throughout the 1960s, they had been the nation's poorest minority group, the most deprived group, according to practically every socioeconomic measure. in 1970, the indian unemployment rate was 10 times the national average, and 40 percent of the native american people were below the poverty line.