Articles and Amendments

Article 1

Creates the Legislative Branch (Congress, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate) to make laws.

Article 2

Creates the Executive Branch (led by the President) to enforce laws.

Article 3

Creates the Judicial Branch (the Supreme Court and lower federal courts) to interpret laws.

Article 4

Explains how states relate to each other and to the federal government, plus how new states join.

Article 5

Explains the process for adding amendments to the Constitution.

Article 6

Declares that the Constitution and federal laws are the "supreme Law of the Land".

Article 7

Explains how the states needed to ratify the Constitution to make it official

Amendment 1

Protects freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Amendment 2

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Amendment 3

Says the government cannot force citizens to house soldiers in peacetime

Amendment 4

Protects citizens from unfair searches and seizures of property.

Amendment 5

Protects due process, prevents double jeopardy (being tried twice for the same crime), and stops self-incrimination.

Amendment 6

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury and the right to a lawyer in criminal cases.

Amendment 7

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil court cases.

Amendment 8

Bans excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.

Amendment 9

Clarifies that people have other basic rights not explicitly listed in the Constitution.

Amendment 10

States that any powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

Amendment 11

Limits the ability of individuals to sue states in federal court.

Amendment 12

Changes how the Electoral College votes for the President and Vice President

Amendment 13

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude.

Amendment 14

Citizenship due process equal protection

Amendment 15

U.S. cannot prevent a person from voting because of race, color, or creed

Amendment 16

Congress is given the power to tax incomes

Amendment 17

The direct election of senators

Amendment 18

Prohibition of liquor

Amendment 19

Women gain the right to vote

Amendment 20

Procedures for outgoing president and the new president coming in

Amendment 21

Repeal of prohibition (18th Amendment)

Amendment 22

Limit on presidential terms

Amendment 23

District of Columbia receives electoral votes

Amendment 24

Prohibits federal and state governments from charging poll tax

Amendment 25

Presidential succession and presidential disability

Amendment 26

18 year olds gain the right to vote

Amendment 27

Any change in congressional salaries takes place after the general election