constitutional amendments

amendments from the american constitution

1st amendment (1791)

freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd amendment (1791)

right to keep and bear arms.

3rd amendment (1791)

no quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime.

4th amendment (1791)

protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th amendment (1791)

rights in criminal cases: due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain.

6th amendment (1791)

right to a fair and speedy trial, impartial jury, and to confront witnesses.

7th amendment (1791)

right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th amendment (1791)

protection from excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

9th amendment (1791)

people have rights not listed in the constitution.

10th amendment (1791)

powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or people.

11th amendment (1795)

limits lawsuits against states in federal courts.

12th amendment (1804)

revised the presidential election process, allowing electors to cast separate ballots for president and vice president.

13th amendment (1865)

abolished slavery and involuntary servitude

14th amendment (1868)

granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and provided equal protection under the law.

15th amendment (1870)

prohibited the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

16th amendment (1913)

allows federal income tax.

17th amendment (1913)

provided for the direct election of U.S. senators by the voters in each state.

18th amendment (1919)

prohibits manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. (PROHIBITION)

19th amendment (1920)

women’s right to vote.

20th amendment (1933)

changes inauguration dates for president and congress (“lame duck amendment”)

21st amendment (1933)

repeals the 18th amendment. (ENDED PROHIBITION)

22nd amendment (1951)

limits the president to two terms.

23rd amendment (1961)

grants electoral votes to washington D.C.

24th amendment (1964)

prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

25th amendment (1967)

establishes procedures for presidential succession and disability.

26th amendment (1971)

grants the right to vote to citizens who are 18 years of age or older.

27th amendment (1992)

limits congressional pay increases from taking effect until after the next election.