Amendments

What does the 1st Amendment protect?

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition; prevents Congress from making laws that infringe on these rights. Ratified: 1791.

What does the 2nd Amendment protect?

The right to bear arms; intended originally for militia defense but now tied to individual firearm ownership. Ratified: 1791.

What does the 3rd Amendment protect?

Citizens cannot be forced to quarter soldiers during peace or war without consent. Ratified: 1791.

What does the 4th Amendment protect?

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; requires warrants based on probable cause. Ratified: 1791.

What does the 5th Amendment guarantee?

Protects against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and guarantees due process and just compensation (eminent domain). Ratified: 1791.

What does the 6th Amendment guarantee?

The right to a speedy, fair, and public trial, an impartial jury, legal counsel, and to confront witnesses. Ratified: 1791.

What does the 7th Amendment guarantee?

The right to a jury trial in federal civil cases over $20; limits courts from overturning jury verdicts. Ratified: 1791.

What does the 8th Amendment prohibit?

Cruel and unusual punishment, excessive fines, and excessive bail. Ratified: 1791.

What is the purpose of the 9th Amendment?

States that citizens have rights beyond those listed in the Constitution. Ratified: 1791.

What does the 10th Amendment say?

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people. Ratified: 1791.

What does the 11th Amendment do?

Prohibits citizens from suing a state in federal court without its consent. Ratified: 1795.

What did the 12th Amendment change?

Revised presidential election procedures; electors cast separate votes for President and VP. Ratified: 1804.

What did the 13th Amendment abolish?

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude (except as punishment for a crime). Ratified: 1865.

What did the 14th Amendment establish?

Granted citizenship to all born/naturalized in the U.S.; included Equal Protection and Due Process clauses. Ratified: 1868.

What does the 15th Amendment state?

The right to vote cannot be denied based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Ratified: 1870.

What did the 16th Amendment establish?

Gave Congress the power to levy an income tax without regard to state population. Ratified: 1913.

What does the 17th Amendment establish?

Direct election of U.S. Senators by the people instead of state legislatures. Ratified: 1913.

What did the 18th Amendment do?

Prohibited manufacture, sale, and transport of alcohol (Prohibition). Ratified: 1919; repealed in 1933.

What did the 19th Amendment do?

Gave women the right to vote; suffrage regardless of sex. Ratified: 1920.

What did the 20th Amendment change?

Changed start dates for Congress (Jan 3) and President (Jan 20); known as the "Lame Duck" amendment. Ratified: 1933.

What did the 21st Amendment do?

Repealed the 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition; gave states control over alcohol laws. Ratified: 1933.

What does the 22nd Amendment limit?

Limits presidents to two elected terms (or 10 years total). Inspired by FDR's 4 terms. Ratified: 1951.

What does the 23rd Amendment allow?

Gave Washington, D.C. electoral votes (no more than the least populous state). Ratified: 1961.

What did the 24th Amendment ban?

Banned poll taxes in federal elections, removing financial barriers to voting. Ratified: 1964.

What does the 25th Amendment clarify?

Defines presidential succession and procedures for disability or vacancy in office. Ratified: 1967.

What did the 26th Amendment change?

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Ratified: 1971.

What does the 27th Amendment do?

Prevents Congressional pay raises from taking effect until after the next election. Proposed: 1789; Ratified: 1992.