Articles and Amendments

Article 1

Establishes the legislative branch.

Article 2

Establishes the executive branch.

Article 3

Establishes the judicial branch.

Article 4

Governs relationships between states including full faith and credit, privileges & immunities.

Article 5

Describes the amendment process.

Article 6

Contains the Supremacy Clause.

Article 7

States that the Constitution takes effect after ratification by 9 states.

1st Amendment

RAPPS: Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in peacetime.

4th Amendment

Prohibits illegal search & seizure of private property.

5th Amendment

No double jeopardy, no forced self-incrimination, guarantees due process, and eminent domain.

6th Amendment

Ensures the right to a speedy and public trial, and to have an attorney in criminal cases.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to trial by jury in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail/fines and cruel & unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

Affirms that individual rights not listed in the Constitution are still protected.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not granted to the federal government to the states.

11th Amendment

Prevents states from being sued by citizens of another state or of a foreign country.

12th Amendment

Establishes separate ballots for President and Vice President.

13th Amendment

Outlaws slavery.

14th Amendment

Defines citizenship, includes due process and equal protection clauses.

15th Amendment

Guarantees the right to vote for all male citizens aged 21 and older.

16th Amendment

Establishes federal income tax.

17th Amendment

Provides for the direct election of senators.

18th Amendment

Institutes Prohibition.

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote at age 21 and older.

20th Amendment

Sets the start dates for new terms of the President and Congress, known as 'Lame Duck'.

21st Amendment

Repeals Prohibition.

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to two terms or a maximum of 10 years.

23rd Amendment

Gives Washington, DC three electoral votes.

24th Amendment

Outlaws poll taxes.

25th Amendment

Addresses presidential removal from office and succession.

26th Amendment

Grants the right to vote to citizens aged 18 and older.

27th Amendment

States that Congressional pay raises cannot take effect until the following term.