U.S. Constitution Amendments

1st Amendment

Protects people’s basic freedoms, including religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the government.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right of individuals to own and carry weapons.

3rd Amendment

Prevents the government from forcing citizens to house soldiers in their homes.

4th Amendment

Protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures and requires probable cause, usually with a warrant.

5th Amendment

Protects people’s rights in the legal system, including due process, protection from self-incrimination, and double jeopardy.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial, including a jury, a lawyer, and knowing the charges against you.

7th Amendment

Protects the right to a jury trial in most civil (non-criminal) court cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel or unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

States that people have rights beyond those specifically listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

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

11th Amendment

Limits when citizens can sue states in federal court.

12th Amendment

Changes the way the President and Vice President are elected by separating their electoral votes.

13th Amendment

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

14th Amendment

Grants citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection and due process under the law.

15th Amendment

Prohibits the government from denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th Amendment

Allows the federal government to collect an income tax.

17th Amendment

Establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators by voters.

18th Amendment

Banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol (Prohibition).

19th Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on sex.

20th Amendment

Changes the dates for presidential and congressional terms and clarifies succession.

21st Amendment

Repeals Prohibition and allows states to regulate alcohol.

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to two terms in office.

23rd Amendment

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

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment

Establishes procedures for presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18.

27th Amendment

Prevents Congress from raising its own pay until after the next election.