The Amendments to the U.S. Constitution (1-27)

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering all 27 amendments of the United States Constitution, including their primary protections, ratification dates, and historical contexts.

The Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, drafted by James Madison and ratified collectively on December 15, 1791, to secure individual liberties.

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Restricts the quartering of soldiers in private homes.

4th Amendment

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

5th Amendment

Guarantees due process, protects against double jeopardy and self-incrimination, and establishes rules for eminent domain.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to legal counsel.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil lawsuits involving federal matters.

8th Amendment

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

9th Amendment

States that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean other rights held by the people do not exist.

10th Amendment

Reserves all powers not explicitly given to the federal government to the states or the people.

11th Amendment (1795)

Limits the ability of individuals to sue states in federal court, establishing State Sovereign Immunity.

12th Amendment (1804)

Revised the Electoral College procedure, requiring electors to cast distinct, separate votes for President and Vice President.

13th Amendment (1865)

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

14th Amendment (1868)

Granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees Equal Protection and Due Process under the law for all citizens.

15th Amendment (1870)

Prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th Amendment (1913)

Authorized the federal government to collect a direct income tax.

17th Amendment (1913)

Established the direct popular election of U.S. Senators by the people rather than state legislatures.

18th Amendment (1919)

Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors, marking the beginning of Prohibition.

19th Amendment (1920)

Extended voting rights to women by prohibiting voter discrimination based on sex.

20th Amendment (1933)

Shortened the "lame duck" period by moving the presidential term start date to January 20th and congressional terms to January 3rd.

21st Amendment (1933)

Repealed the 18th Amendment, officially ending Prohibition.

22nd Amendment (1951)

Limited the President to serving a maximum of two terms.

23rd Amendment (1961)

Granted presidential electoral votes to Washington, D.C., allowing its residents to vote for President.

24th Amendment (1964)

Prohibited the use of poll taxes in federal elections to prevent the suppression of Black voters.

25th Amendment (1967)

Clarified presidential succession and disability procedures, including vacancies in the Vice Presidency.

26th Amendment (1971)

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, driven by the context of the Vietnam War draft.

27th Amendment (1992)

Prevents any law changing congressional salaries from taking effect until after the next congressional election.