27 Amendments

1st Amendment

Freedom of Religion (Free Exercise and Establishment clause), Speech, of the Press, Assembly, and Petition

2nd Amendment

Protects the people's right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

No soldier can be quartered in a home without the permission of the owner

4th Amendment

Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and sets out requirements for search warrants based on probable cause

5th Amendment

Protects rights of due process and the right to remain silent, double jeopardy

6th Amendment

The right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of one's peers; to have witnesses and to give a defense

7th Amendment

The right to a trial by jury in civil cases for amounts of $20 or more

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments

9th Amendment

People have other rights not specifically stated in the Constitution

10th Amendment

Gives all powers not specifically given to the United States government in the Constitution to either the STATES or to the PEOPLE (reserved powers)

11th Amendment

Determines when and if a state can be sued; states cannot be sued by people from other states or by foreigners

12th Amendment

The Electoral College must vote for the President and the Vice President separately

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude

14th Amendment

Declares that all persons born in the U.S. are citizens (citizenship clause), Privileges and Immunities Clause (all citizens retain the same rights across states), Due Process Clause (all citizens are entitled to the fair process of justice), and Equal Protection Clause (all citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law). Used to selectively incorporate the Bill of Rights to the states.

15th Amendment

Gave all men the right to vote regardless of race or color or whether they had been slaves

16th Amendment

Created an income tax and gave the Federal government the power to collect it

17th Amendment

Creates the direct election of Senators by the people (instead of state legislators)

18th Amendment

Prohibition of the drinking, manufacture, and sale of alcohol

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote

20th Amendment

Gives details on the terms of office for Congress and President; shortens "lame duck" period (time between election and inauguration)

21st Amendment

repealed the 18th Amendment and prohibition of alcohol

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office (or 10 years)

23rd Amendment

Gave Washington, D.C. representatives in the electoral college so that citizens of D.C. could participate in the electoral process, even though it is not an official state

24th Amendment

Prohibited the poll tax

25th Amendment

Explains what happens when the President dies or is unable to continue in office (Succession)

26th Amendment

Sets the national voting age at 18, cannot be set any higher

27th Amendment

Any changes in Congressional salaries will take place after the next term starts