Summaries of Constitutional Amendments

AP Government

Amendment 1

Congress may not violate the rights of freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly, and petition.

Amendment 2

Each state has the right to maintain a militia. Individuals can own and use weapons.

Amendment 3

The government may not quarter, or house, soldiers in the people’s homes during peacetime without the people’s permission.

Amendment 4

The government may not search or take a person’s property without a warrant.

Amendment 5

A person may not be tried twice for the same crime, and does not have to testify against him/herself.

Amendment 6

A person charged with a crime has the right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and a lawyer.

Amendment 7

A person in civil case is guaranteed a trial by jury.

Amendment 8

A person is protected from excessive or unreasonable fines or cruel and unusual punishment.

Amendment 9

The people have rights other than those mentioned in the Constitution.

Amendment 10

Any power not given to the Federal Government by the Constitution is a power of either the State or the people.

Amendment 11

Citizens of a State or foreign country may not use another State in federal court.

Amendment 12

The Electoral College will vote separately for President and Vice President rather than together on one ballot.

Amendment 13

Slavery is outlawed in the United States.

Amendment 14

States shall not deprive persons of life, liberty, or property without due process. The Three-Fifths Compromise is repealed, and all persons are counted in the census.

Amendment 15

Citizens are guaranteed the right to vote, regardless of race, color, or status of former slave.

Amendment 16

Congress has the right to set up an income tax.

Amendment 17

U.S. Senators are elected directly by voters in each State.

Amendment 18

Making or selling alcohol is illegal.

Amendment 19

Citizens are guaranteed the right to vote, regardless of sex.

Amendment 20

The President take office on January 20, and Congress’s term begins January 3.

Amendment 21

This amendment repealed the 18th Amendment.

Amendment 22

No president can be elected to more than two terms.

Amendment 23

People lived in Washington, D.C., may vote in presidential election. D.C. has three presidential electors.

Amendment 24

People may vote for President vice President and Congress without paying a voting tax.

Amendment 25

The Vice President becomes the President if the President is disabled.

Amendment 26

Citizens who are at least 18 years of age are guaranteed the right to vote.

Amendment 27

Any pay raise the House of Representatives may approve for its members doe snot take effect until after the next congressional election.