WGU C963 - Amendments

Credit Original Author: DeQuann G. (Study Guide)

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech; government cannot interfere with expression by people, press, or religious groups.

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms; citizens can own firearms and protect property legally.

3rd Amendment

Citizens do not have to house soldiers in wartime or peacetime without consent.

4th Amendment

Right to security in homes; protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring a warrant.

5th Amendment

Double jeopardy law; individuals cannot be tried again for the same crime after acquittal and cannot self-incriminate.

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy and fair public trial; includes impartial jury, defense counsel, and assumption of innocence.

7th Amendment

Right to trial by jury for claims exceeding $20.

8th Amendment

Ban on cruel and unusual punishments and excessive fines or bail.

9th Amendment

Citizens have more rights than those listed; absence of rights does not diminish their importance.

10th Amendment

Separation of federal and state powers; federal government has only powers assigned by the Constitution.

11th Amendment

Citizens can only sue their own state; non-residents cannot sue another state.

12th Amendment

Laws for presidential and vice-presidential election processes; includes voting qualifications and requirements.

13th Amendment

Abolition of slavery; involuntary servitude is prohibited, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment

All born or naturalized in the U.S. are citizens; includes the Equal Protection Clause.

15th Amendment

Right to vote cannot be denied based on race or previous condition of servitude.

16th Amendment

Congress can collect income tax not based on state population.

17th Amendment

Terms for electing senators; power given to the people to choose their representatives.

18th Amendment

Prohibition Law; banned manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors.

19th Amendment

Right to vote cannot be denied based on biological sex; women granted voting rights.

20th Amendment

Presidential and vice-presidential terms end at noon on January 20th; Senate terms start on January 3rd.

21st Amendment

Repeal of the 18th Amendment; allows sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol.

22nd Amendment

No president can serve more than two terms; limits on succession to presidency.

23rd Amendment

Washington, D.C. receives electors in the Electoral College, ensuring representation.

24th Amendment

Citizens can vote regardless of tax payments; prohibits poll taxes.

25th Amendment

Vice president assumes presidency if the president is removed, resigns, or dies.

26th Amendment

Voting rights for citizens over 18; lowers voting age from 21.

27th Amendment

Changes to Congressional salaries take effect after the next election of representatives.