us amendments

What is an amendment?

A written change or addition to the Constitution.

How many amendments have been added to the U.S. Constitution?

27 amendments.

Why is it difficult to amend the Constitution?

The writers intended to make it challenging to ensure stability.

What is the first step in adding a new amendment?

A two-thirds vote from both houses of Congress.

What is required for a new amendment to be ratified by the states?

Approval from three-fourths (38 out of 50) states.

What does Article 6 of the Constitution state about amendments?

The Constitution and its amendments are the supreme laws of the land.

Can amendments be repealed?

Yes, amendments can be repealed and replaced by new amendments.

Which amendment was the only one ever repealed?

The 18th Amendment.

What did the 18th Amendment prohibit?

The sale, drinking, and manufacturing of alcohol.

Which amendment repealed the 18th Amendment?

The 21st Amendment.

What right does the 2nd Amendment protect?

The right to own or carry a gun.

What does the 4th Amendment protect citizens from?

Unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant.

What rights are listed in the 5th Amendment?

Rights of individuals accused of a crime.

What does the 6th Amendment guarantee?

The right to a lawyer and to be informed of charges.

What protections does the 8th Amendment provide?

Protection from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

What does the 9th Amendment state?

It reserves unlimited rights to the people.

What does the 10th Amendment reserve?

Rights and powers to the states.

What significant change did the 13th Amendment bring?

It abolished slavery in 1865.

What rights did the 14th Amendment grant?

Citizenship and equal protection under the law for Black people.

What did the 15th Amendment establish?

The right to vote for Black men.

What right did the 19th Amendment secure?

The right to vote for women.

What does the 25th Amendment address?

Succession in the presidency if the president cannot perform their duties.

What change did the 26th Amendment make?

It lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old.

What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?

The Bill of Rights.

When were the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?

In 1791, four years after the Constitution was written.