US Constitution Amendments

1st Amendment

Protects the people's right to practice religion, to speak freely, to assemble (meet), to bring their concerns to the government, and freedom of the press to publish.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to own guns

3rd Amendment

Guarantees that the army cannot force homeowners to give them food and shelter.

4th Amendment

Protects the people from the government improperly taking people, property, or papers, without a valid warrant based on probable cause (good reason).

5th Amendment

Protects people from being held for committing a crime unless they are properly accused, that they may not be tried twice for the same crime, and that you cannot be forced to testify against yourself.It also guarantees due process of law and just compensation for property taken for public use.

6th Amendment

Guarantees a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and that the accused can confront witnesses against them, and that the accused must be allowed to have a lawyer.

7th Amendment

Guarantees a jury trial in federal civil court cases (A civil court case is a legal disagreement between two or more people). This type of case is normally no longer heard in federal court.

8th Amendment

Guarantees that punishments will be fair, and not cruel, and really large fines cannot be charged.

9th Amendment

Simply a statement that other rights, besides those listed, may exist, and just because they are not listed doesn't mean they can be violated.

10th Amendment

Says that any power not granted to the federal government belongs to the states.This amendment emphasizes the principle of federalism by affirming that any powers not specifically given to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Says that a person cannot sue a state in federal court without the state's permission.

12th Amendment

Redefines how the President and Vice-President are chosen by the Electoral College.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery in the entire United States.This amendment prohibits involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment

People have equal rights on both the federal level and the state level.

15th Amendment

Ensured that a person could not be denied the right to vote because of their race.

16th Amendment

Allows the United States government to collect income taxes.

17th Amendment

Changed the choosing of Senators from the state legislatures to the people of the states.

18th Amendment

Outlawed the sale or manufacture of alcohol in the United States.

19th Amendment

Ensures that a person cannot be denied the right to vote because of their gender.

20th Amendment

Set new start dates for the terms of Congress and the President. It established January 20 as the inauguration date for the President and January 3 for Congress.

21st Amendment

Reversed the 18th Amendment.

22nd Amendment

Set a limit on the number of times a President could be elected to 2 four-year terms.

23rd Amendment

Gives the city of Washington D.C. the right to three voters in Presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Ensures that people do not have to pay a "tax" in order to vote for an election. It prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal and state elections.

25th Amendment

Establishes rules for a President who becomes unable to perform his duties while in office.It outlines the procedures for presidential succession and the filling of a vacancy in the office of Vice President.

26th Amendment

Ensures that any person 18 or over may vote.

27th Amendment

Any law that increases the pay of legislators may not take effect until after the next election.