AP US History - Constitution - Amendments

1

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition

2

The right to bear arms

3

People are not required to let soldiers live in their homes

4

Protection from illegal search and seizure; Police must have a search warrant to search your property.

5

Protections for those accused of crimes. Authorities must follow a standard set of procedures called Due Process. In addition, people cannot be forced to give evidence against themselves or be tried twice for the same crime if found not guilty.

6

Those accused of crimes have the right to a speedy and public trial, know the charges and witnesses against them, and the right to a lawyer. It they can't afford a lawyer, the government will provide one at no charge.

7

Trial by a jury for civil cases over $20

8

Prohibits the use of cruel and unusual punishment or excessive bail

9

Rights not mentioned in the Constitution may still be protected.

10

All powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states.

11

A lawsuit against a state by a person or other country will be tried in state court.

12

The President and Vice-President will be voted for on separate ballots.

13

Ended slavery

14

Gave citizenship to the former slaves

15

Stopped voting discrimination based on race, religion or previous condition of servitude. (allowed the Freedmen to vote)

16

Created an income tax to help fund the government

17

American voters, rather than state legislatures will vote for U.S. Senators

18

Forbids the manufacture, sale, or possession of alcohol

19

Gives women the right to vote

20

Moved the presidential inauguration from March to January 20th

21

Repealed the 18th amendment. *Must ratify a new amendment to override an old one.

22

Limits the President to 2 terms in office or a maximum of 10 years if he fulfills less than 2 years of the previous President's term.

23

Allows people living in Washington, D.C. the right to vote for the President and gives them 3 electoral votes. However, they have no voting representation in Congress.

24

Makes it illegal for a person to be forced to pay a poll tax in order to vote

25

Identifies the order of succession if the President dies, resigns, is removed from office or is unable to carry out his job. The Vice President will be the first to take over the office.

26

Lowers the voting age to 18 (This amendment was added in the 1970s when young people were being drafted for the Vietnam War.)

27

An increase in the salary of members of Congress will begin the next election.