U.S. Constitutional Amendments and Articles

These flashcards cover the key amendments and articles of the U.S. Constitution as well as the Declaration of Independence.

1st Amendment

Protects the rights of freedom of religion, speech, the press, to assemble, and to petition the government.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prevents the forced quartering of soldiers in private homes.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant.

5th Amendment

Guarantees several rights, including due process, protection against double jeopardy, and self-incrimination.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, and the right to legal counsel.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

Protects rights that are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

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

12th Amendment

Establishes the procedure for electing the President and Vice President.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.

14th Amendment

Defines citizenship and guarantees equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race or color.

16th Amendment

Authorizes the federal government to levy an income tax.

17th Amendment

Provides for the direct election of U.S. Senators by the voters.

18th Amendment

Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages (Prohibition).

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Set the dates for the end of presidential and congressional terms.

21st Amendment

Repealed the 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition.

22nd Amendment

Set a two-term limit on the presidency.

23rd Amendment

Granted Washington, D.C., residents the right to vote in presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment

Clarifies the rules of presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment

Granted the right to vote to citizens aged 18 and older.

27th Amendment

Prevents any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until the start of the next set of terms of office for Representatives.

Article I

Establishes the legislative branch (Congress).

Article II

Establishes the executive branch (the President).

Article III

Establishes the judicial branch (the federal courts).

Article IV

Describes the relationship between the states and the federal government.

Article V

Outlines the process for amending the Constitution.

Article VI

Declares the Constitution the 'supreme law of the land'.

Article VII

Details the process for the Constitution's ratification.

Preamble

Introduces the Constitution, stating the purpose of the document.

Declaration of Independence

A historical document asserting the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.