key amendments to the constitution

1st Amendment

Ratified December 15, 1791. Protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Ratified December 15, 1791. Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

13th Amendment

Ratified December 6, 1865. Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment

Ratified July 9, 1868. Defines citizenship and includes the Due Process Clause, Equal Protection Clause, and Privileges or Immunities Clause.

15th Amendment

Ratified February 3, 1870. Prohibits denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

19th Amendment

Ratified August 18, 1920. Grants women the right to vote, prohibiting discrimination based on sex.

22nd Amendment

Ratified February 27, 1951. Limits the president to two terms or a maximum of ten years if they served part of another’s term.