Constitutional Amendments

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech and religion. Freedom to assemble and petition the government. Guarantees a free press.

2nd Amendment

The right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Citizens cannot be forced to house or quarter soldiers.

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Cannot take your property or arrest you without a warrant.

5th Amendment

Right to a grand jury indictment in criminal cases, protection against double jeopardy and self incrimination, the right to due process of law, the right to just compensation when private property is taken for public use (eminent domain).

6th Amendment

You have a right to a speedy criminal trial in front of an impartial jury. You must be allowed to have a lawyer.

7th Amendment

You have a right to a speedy civil trial in front of an impartial jury if the value of the issue is worth more than $20.

8th Amendment

protection against excessive bail, excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

Any right not stated in or forbidden by the Constitution belongs to the people.

10th Amendment

Any power not given to the federal government is reserved to the states.

11th Amendment

States cannot be sued in federal court by citizens of other states or foreign countries.

12th Amendment

There are separate ballots for President and Vice President.

13th Amendment

Slavery is abolished in the United States.

14th Amendment

No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

15th Amendment

Voting rights cannot be denied because of race or color.

16th Amendment

The federal government can tax your income.

17th Amendment

This amendment allows the people to directly elect their Senators.

18th Amendment

Prohibition of alcohol.

19th Amendment

Women's suffrage. Women are given the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Presidential inauguration is moved from March to January 20. Also known as the Lame Duck Amendment.

21st Amendment

Repeals the 18th Amendment making alcohol legal again.

22nd Amendment

Presidential term limits. The President cannot serve more than two full terms or a total of 10 years.

23rd Amendment

Citizens of Washington, D.C. have the right to vote in presidential elections and are given three electoral votes.

24th Amendment

Outlaws poll taxes.

25th Amendment

Outlines the line of succession for the Presidency.

26th Amendment

This amendment gives eighteen year olds the right to vote.

27th Amendment

Congress can give themselves pay raises, but they must wait until after the next election to go into effect.