Required Amendments

These are the required amendments for the AP Government Test

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, limiting government interference with individual expression and belief

2nd Amendment

Guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, tied to individual self-defense and historically to militias

3rd Amendment

Prevents the government from forcing citizens to house soldiers in their homes during peacetime without consent

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants based on probable cause

5th Amendment

Ensures due process, protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and requires compensation for taken property

6th Amendment

Guarantees a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, legal counsel, and the right to confront witnesses

7th Amendment

Preserves the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and fines and bans cruel and 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 federal courts from hearing cases where a state is sued by citizens of another state or country

12th Amendment

Establishes separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime

14th Amendment

Grants citizenship, ensures due process and equal protection, and is key to applying rights to states

15th Amendment

Prohibits denying voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude

16th Amendment

Allows Congress to collect income taxes without apportionment among states

17th Amendment

Provides for direct election of senators by the people

18th Amendment

Prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcohol (Prohibition)

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote

20th Amendment

Changes inauguration dates and shortens the “lame duck” period

21st Amendment

Repeals the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition

22nd Amendment

Limits presidents to two terms in office

23rd Amendment

Gives Washington, D.C. electoral votes in presidential elections

24th Amendment

Bans poll taxes in federal elections

25th Amendment

Establishes procedures for presidential succession and disability

26th Amendment

Lowers voting age to 18

27th Amendment

Prevents Congress from raising its pay until after the next election