Constitutional Amendments

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Second Amendment

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Fourth Amendment

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Fifth Amendment

Defines the rights of persons accused of crimes, including protections against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process of law.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees individuals accused of crimes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.

Eighth Amendment

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Ninth Amendment

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Tenth Amendment

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Thirteenth Amendment

abolished slavery

Fourteenth Amendment

Adopted after the Civil War, it states, "no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

Fifteenth Amendment

1870 constitutional amendment that guaranteed voting rights regardless of race or previous condition of servitude

Seventeenth Amendment

1913 constitutional amendment allowing American voters to directly elect US senators

Nineteenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment adopted in 1920 that guarantees women the right to vote.

Twenty-second Amendment

Ratified in 1951, this amendment limits presidents to two terms of office.

Twenty-sixth Amendment

lowered the voting age to 18

Twenty-fourth Amendment

The constitutional amendment passed in 1964 that declared poll taxes void in federal elections.