Amendment (1-27) Definitions

1st Amendment 

Freedom of religion, speech, and the press; rights of assembly and petition

2nd Amendment 

Right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

Forbids the government from housing troops in private homes during times of peace. During times of war, troops can occupy homes only with legal permission

4th Amendment

Requires search and arrest warrants

5th Amendment

Grants rights in criminal cases including protection against double jeopardy and that no one has to stand trial for a federal crime unless accused by a grand jury--a special panel selected to decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial

6th Amendment 

Right to a fair trial. The trial must be prompt, public, and include an open-minded jury. The accused must have a lawyer and know the charges against them

7th Amendment

Provides jury trials for civil cases (person A sues person B) exceeding $20

8th Amendment

Bails, fines, and punishments must be fair and humane--not cruel and unusual

9th Amendment 

Just because some rights are listed doesn't mean others do not exist for the people.

10th Amendment

The states or the people retain all powers not given to the national government. For example, they have authority over such matters as marriage and divorce.

11th Amendment

A citizen from one state cannot sue another state in court.

12th Amendment

Electors will vote for president and vice president separately.

13th Amendment

Slavery is abolished.

14th Amendment

Former slaves are legal U.S. citizens and everyone has equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

African Americans have the right to vote.

16th Amendment

Congress shall have the power to levy income taxes.

17th Amendment

Direct election of U.S. senators.

18th Amendment

Prohibition (People cannot make, sell, or transport alcohol)

19th Amendment

Women can vote

20th Amendment

The President's term starts on Jan. 20

21st Amendment

Repealed the 18th amendment (prohibition)

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms

23rd Amendment

D.C. gets three electoral votes

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll tax

25th Amendment

Deals with issues of presidential succession

26th Amendment

18 year olds have the right to vote

27th Amendment

Prohibits any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until the start of the next set of terms of office for Representatives.