Amendments

1st Amendment

Protects five key freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, preventing government interference.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms, often debated regarding gun ownership.

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; requires a warrant based on probable cause.

5th Amendment

Grants protections including no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination, right to due process, and compensation for property taken.

6th Amendment

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

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases where the value in controversy exceeds twenty dollars.

8th Amendment

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

9th Amendment

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

10th Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Limits individuals' ability to sue states in federal court.

12th Amendment

Revises the Electoral College process, requiring separate votes for president and vice president.

13th Amendment

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

14th Amendment

Defines U.S. citizenship, guarantees equal protection under the law, and requires due process from states.

15th Amendment

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