Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

All of the amendments to the Constitution and a simple, short description of what they are/what they do.

1st Amendment

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

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime.

4th Amendment

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

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and guarantees due process of law.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair, speedy trial, an impartial jury, and legal counsel.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

States that the enumeration of certain rights does not deny others retained by the people.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Limits the ability of individuals to sue states in federal court.

12th Amendment

Establishes separate Electoral College votes for President and Vice President.

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States.

16th Amendment

Allows Congress to levy an income tax.

17th Amendment

Establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote.

18th Amendment

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the United States (later repealed).

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote in federal and state elections.

20th Amendment

Sets new start dates for presidential and congressional terms; known as the "Lame Duck" amendment.

21st Amendment

Repeals the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition and legalizing alcohol.

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to two terms in office.

23rd Amendment

Grants residents of Washington, D.C., the right to vote in presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment

Establishes procedures for presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment

Grants the right to vote to citizens 18 years of age and older.

27th Amendment

Delays congressional pay raises until after the next election.