Amendments Quiz

1st Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Protects religion, speech, press, assembly, petition

2nd Amendment

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. No quartering soldiers without consent

4th Amendment

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Protection from unreasonable searches/seizures

5th Amendment

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. Grand jury, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process, eminent domain

6th Amendment

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. Speedy trial, jury, informed of charges, confront witnesses, compulsory process, counsel

7th Amendment

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Civil jury trials over $20

8th Amendment

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. No excessive bail/fines, no cruel punishment

9th Amendment

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Unenumerated rights retained by people

10th Amendment

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Reserved powers to states/people

11th Amendment

The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State. Limits federal suits against states

12th Amendment

The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President... detailed procedures for separate ballots, counting, House/Senate contingencies if no majority. Separate votes for President/VP

13th Amendment

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Abolishes slavery

14th Amendment

Section 1: All persons born or naturalized... are citizens... No State shall... deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process... equal protection. Section 2: Apportionment. Section 3: Disqualification for rebellion. Section 4: Public debt. Citizenship, due process, equal protection, apportionment, rebellion disqualification

15th Amendment

The right of citizens... to vote shall not be denied... on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Voting rights regardless of race

16th Amendment

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. Income tax power

17th Amendment

The Senate... composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof... Vacancies filled by election or governor appointment. Direct election of Senators

18th Amendment

Section 1: Manufacture, sale, transportation of intoxicating liquors prohibited after one year. Section 2: Enforcement. Section 3: Ratification deadline. Prohibition (later repealed)

19th Amendment

The right of citizens... to vote shall not be denied... on account of sex. Women's suffrage

20th Amendment

Terms end Jan 20 (President/VP), Jan 3 (Congress); succession if President dies/fails; Congress assembles Jan 3. Lame duck amendment

21st Amendment

Section 1: Repeals 18th Amendment. Section 2: No transport of liquor violating state laws. Section 3: Ratification by conventions. Repeals Prohibition

22nd Amendment

No person shall be elected President more than twice... exceptions for incumbents at ratification. Presidential term limits

23rd Amendment

DC appoints electors equal to smallest state. DC electoral votes

24th Amendment

Voting rights not denied by poll tax in federal elections. Bans poll taxes

25th Amendment

VP becomes President on removal/death; VP nomination; disability declaration procedures by President/Cabinet/Congress. Presidential succession/disability

26th Amendment

Right to vote for citizens 18+. Lowers voting age

27th Amendment

No law varying congressional compensation takes effect until after election. Congressional pay raises delayed