United States Constitution Amendments

1st Amendment

Guarantees the right to the freedoms of speech, press, and religion; protects the right to petition the government.

2nd Amendment

Guarantees the people's right to own and bear arms for their defense.

3rd Amendment

Citizens cannot be forced to quarter soldiers during times of peace.

4th Amendment

Citizens cannot be subjected to seizure and search without a search warrant and probable cause.

5th Amendment

Prohibits abuse of governmental authority in legal procedures; guarantees due process rights and protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

6th Amendment

Guarantees fair and speedy jury trial and rights to know the accusation, accuser, and to find counsel and witnesses.

7th Amendment

Reserves individuals' rights to jury trial in civil cases, preventing re-opening of cases already examined.

8th Amendment

Forbids excessive bails, fines, or unusual or cruel punishment.

9th Amendment

Reserves rights of citizens not specifically mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not given to the federal government or prohibited to the States, to the people and States.

11th Amendment

State sovereign immunity; states are protected from suits by citizens of other states or foreigners.

12th Amendment

Modifies the election procedure for vice-presidents and presidents.

13th Amendment

Forbids forced slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment

Details Equal Protection, Due Process, and Citizenship Clauses, also addressing the Confederacy.

15th Amendment

Reserves voting rights regardless of race, color, or previous status as a slave.

16th Amendment

Grants the U.S. government the right to tax income.

17th Amendment

Establishes popular voting for the election of senators.

18th Amendment

Denies the sale and consumption of alcohol.

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Also known as the 'lame duck amendment,' it establishes start dates for Congressional and Presidential terms.

21st Amendment

Repeals the Eighteenth Amendment; allows state laws over alcohol sales.

22nd Amendment

Limits presidential terms to two, preventing individuals who've served over two years from serving more than once.

23rd Amendment

Grants the right to vote for citizens residing in the District of Columbia.

24th Amendment

Prohibits denying suffrage rights due to failure to pay a poll tax or any other taxes.

25th Amendment

Establishes procedures for presidential succession.

26th Amendment

Reserves the right to vote for citizens aged 18 and older.

27th Amendment

Prevents changes to Congressional salaries from taking effect until the next term.