U.S. Constitution Amendments: Key Rights and Changes

1st Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition the government, Speech

2nd Amendment

Rights to bear arms

3rd Amendment

No Quartering (housing) of soldiers

4th Amendment

No searches or seizure without a warrant or probable cause

5th Amendment

Don't have to testify against yourself, no double jeopardy, and need due process when arrested

6th Amendment

Speedy trial, told what crime you committed, impartial jury, charged where the crime was committed, have a lawyer, confront witnesses against you and have witness testify for you

7th Amendment

Civil Suits over $20 need a jury

8th Amendment

No cruel and unusual punishment

9th Amendment

More rights than are listed in the Constitution

10th Amendment

States have rights

11th Amendment

A person living in one state cannot sue a different state

12th Amendment

Electoral College must vote for the President and Vice President separately

13th Amendment

Ended Slavery

14th Amendment

All people born in the US are citizens; All citizens are equal under the law

15th Amendment

Black people can vote

16th Amendment

Government levy an income tax

17th Amendment

Senators elected by the popular vote

18th Amendment

Made alcohol illegal in the US

19th Amendment

Women can vote

20th Amendment

President inauguration on January 20

21st Amendment

Legalized drinking again

22nd Amendment

President can only serve 2 terms or ten years

23rd Amendment

DC gets 3 electoral college votes

24th Amendment

Made poll taxes illegal

25th Amendment

Who takes over if the President cannot perform their duties

26th Amendment

National voting age is 18

27th Amendment

Congress cannot give themselves a raise until the session begins