Constitutional Amendments

1st Amendment

Protection of basic freedoms

Freedoms: Speech, religion, press, assembly, petition.

Key Clauses: Establishment Clause (no official religion), Free Exercise Clause (practice religion freely).

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in private homes.

4th Amendment

No unreasonable searches or seizures; warrants are required.

5th Amendment

Protections: No double jeopardy, no self-incrimination, due process, property rights.

6th Amendment

Rights of the accused: Speedy trial, jury of peers, right to attorney.

7th Amendment

Right to jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

No excessive bail, no cruel or unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

People retain rights not listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states.

11th Amendment (1798)

Restricts lawsuits against states in federal court.

12th Amendment (1804)

Separate electoral ballots for President and Vice President.

13th Amendment (1865)

Abolished slavery.

14th Amendment (1868)

Citizenship for all born or naturalized in the U.S.; due process and equal protection clauses.

15th Amendment (1870)

Right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous servitude.

16th Amendment (1913)

Income tax established.

17th Amendment (1913)

Direct election of U.S. Senators by citizens.

18th Amendment (1919)

Prohibition of alcohol.

19th Amendment (1920)

Women's suffrage (right to vote).

20th Amendment (1933)

Moved presidential inauguration to January 20th.

21st Amendment (1933)

Repealed prohibition (18th Amendment).

22nd Amendment (1951)

Presidential term limits (two terms).

23rd Amendment (1961)

D.C. residents can vote for President.

24th Amendment (1964)

No poll taxes for voting.

25th Amendment (1967)

Established presidential succession and VP replacement.

26th Amendment (1971)

Voting age lowered to 18.

27th Amendment (1992)

No congressional pay raises during the current term.