Compiled by the National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights Abrogate This is a term used to describe Congress’ power to override the states’ immunity from lawsuits (sovereign immunity) as granted by the Eleventh Amendment. If Congress can abrogate the states’ immunity, it means that Congress can pass a law making states subject to lawsuits for damages. ADA (Americans with … [Read more...] about Civil Rights Rollback Glossary (March 2004)