US Constitution Amendments: Key Rights and Reforms

Freedom of Speech, freedom of Religion, freedom to Assemble Peaceably, freedom to Petition the Government, Freedom of the Press

Amendment I

The right to bear arms

Amendment II

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers

Amendment III

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures

Amendment IV

Protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy

Amendment V

Protects the rights of the accused

Amendment VI

Protects the right of a jury trial in civil matters over $20

Amendment VII

Protects against cruel and unusual punishment

Amendment VIII

Rights not listed in the US Constitution are reserved to the people

Amendment IX

Powers not given to the US Government are reserved for the states

Amendment X

Set terms for jurisdiction of individuals suing other states

Amendment XI

Provided for separate ballots for President and Vice President

Amendment XII

Made slavery illegal in the United States

Amendment XIII

Provided former slaves with birthright citizenship; equal protection under the law

Amendment XIV

Gave African American men the right to vote

Amendment XV

Allowed Congress to enact a federal income tax

Amendment XVI

Provided for the direct election of Senators

Amendment XVII

Made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol illegal in the US

Amendment XVIII

Gave women the right to vote

Amendment XIX

Moved inauguration day from March to January

Amendment XX

Repealed the 18th Amendment making alcohol legal in the US

Amendment XXI

Limited the President to two terms in office

Amendment XXII

Provided Washington DC with three electoral votes

Amendment XXIII

Eliminated poll taxes for voting

Amendment XXIV

Provided for Presidential succession

Amendment XXV

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18

Amendment XXVI

Dealt with congressional pay and raises

Amendment XXVII