Civic Literacy Exam

Bill of Rights

1st 10 Amendments

First Amendment

Freedom of religion (establishment clause; free exercise clause); freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition Government

Second Amendment

Right to Bear Arms

Third Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in civilian homes without their consent unless allowed by law – This is derived from the English Bill of Rights (1689) : “That…keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace…is against law.”

Fourth Amendment

Protection from unreasonable search and seizure; search warrants must be based upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation; Right to privacy in one’s home as well as one’s person have been read into this amendment

Fifth Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination; No double-jeopardy; guarantees due process of law (Due process clause)

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury; accused has the right to be notified of charges; accused has a right to confront accusers/witnesses; Accused can compel witnesses on his/her behalf

7th Amendment

Right to trial by jury in civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20.

8th Amendment

Prohibition against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. This is also derive from the English Bill of Rights (1689): “That excessive bail ought not to be required… nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted”

10th Amendment

Establishes the principles of Federalism (the constitutional relationship between the states and the federal government of the United States) and States’ Rights.

11th Amendment

Establishes the principle of Sovereign Immunity, which prevents a person from suing a state.

12th Amendment

Updates the electoral college procedure for electing Presidents and Vice Presidents

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery and precludes involuntary servitude unless as a condition of a criminal conviction.

15th Amendment

Grants the right to vote to all men regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th Amendment

Grants Congress the power to establish a national income tax.

17th Amendment

Provided for the Direct Election of Senators by residents in a state. This amendment is designed to promote democratic participation. Prior to its enactment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures.

18th Amendment

The Prohibition Amendment – made the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors illegal. Consumption of Liquor remained legal.

19th Amendment

The Women’s Suffrage Amendment – Grants the right to vote to women by prohibiting the denial of the vote based on sex.

a. The phrase: “I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them” from Abigail Adams’ 1776 letter to her husband John Adams is reflected in this amendment.

20th Amendment

Changes the start date of the terms of the President and Vice President from Noon, March 4th, to Noon, January 20th. It also changes the start date of the terms of members of Congress from noon, March 4th, to noon, January 3rd. In addition, this amendment establishes the procedures for when there is no President-elect (if they have died or theissue is in dispute).

21st Amendment

Repeals Prohibition (the 18th Amendment).

22nd Amendment

Limits Presidents to 2 terms or 10 years – In theory, a Person in the line of succession could assume the Presidency from 2 years and then be elected for 2 more terms. However, if they assume the Presidency for more than 3 years prior to election, they may be limited to just one elected term.

23rd Amendment

Grants electors for President and Vice President to the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.).

24th Amendment

Eliminates the failure to pay Poll taxes (taxes or fees in order to vote and/or any other tax or fee) as a means of preventing persons from voting.

25th Amendment

Establishes the order of succession if a President dies or becomes incapacitated.

26th Amendment

Grants the right to vote to 18 year olds.

27th Amendment

Precludes pay raises members of Congress have voted for themselves from taking effect until after the next election.