Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

These flashcards cover key amendments to the Constitution, their implications, and the rights they protect.

1st Amendment

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

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms, ensuring that individuals have the right to possess firearms for self-defense and security.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent during peacetime.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. A warrant based on probable cause is required to conduct a lawful search.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; guarantees due process protections from the federal government; and fair compensation for private property taken for public use.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses, right to know the nature and cause of the accusation, right to obtain witnesses on your behalf, and the right to legal counsel (attorney).

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

What does the 8th Amendment protect against?

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

9th Amendment

Protects rights not enumerated (specifically listed) in the Constitution. So, unenumerated rights, such as the right to privacy, are protected.

What principle is established by the 10th Amendment?

Any powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states (called reserved powers). This amendment outlines Federalism - the sharing or division of power between the federal government and state/local governments.

What does the 11th Amendment prevent?

Prevents citizens of one state or foreign country from suing another state.

12th Amendment

Revised the presidential election process, providing for separate votes for President and Vice President in the Electoral College. No longer would the two candidates with the highest electoral votes be automatically paired.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

What privileges does the 14th Amendment provide?

Defines citizenship (born or naturalized), guarantees due process protections from state/local governments, and provides equal protection of the laws.

15th Amendment

Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Gave black men suffrage.

16th Amendment

Allows the federal government to tax income.

17th Amendment

Establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people (voters).

18th Amendment

Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. (ratified in 1919)

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote (suffrage).

20th Amendment

Changes the inauguration date for the President and Congress to January. (January 20th for presidential inauguration and January 3 for the start of congressional terms)

21st Amendment

Repealed the 18th Amendment, allowing the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. (ratified in 1933)

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office.

23rd Amendment

Granted the District of Columbia electoral votes in presidential elections. This, in turn, gave citizens of DC the right to vote in presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes as a voting requirement in federal elections.

What is the significance of the 25th Amendment?

Establishes procedures for presidential succession if the president should die, become disabled, or unable to carry out his/her duties. President ——> Vice President ——> Speaker of the House, etc.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Ratified during the Vietnam War to ensure young people could participate in elections (if they could be drafted at the age of 18 to fight in a war).

27th Amendment

Prevents Congress from giving itself pay raises until after the next election.

Process for Amending the U.S. Constitution

Two-step process: proposal and ratification; Two-thirds of both houses of Congress (or two-thirds of the state legislatures call for a national convention) must vote yes propose the amendment. Then, three-fourths of the states (or a convention in three-fourths of the states) must ratify (approve) it - 38/50 states

Why have only 27 amendments been added to the U.S. Constitution since it was ratified?

The process for amending the U.S. Constitution is intentionally rigorous, requiring a supermajority in Congress and significant state approval, making it challenging to achieve consensus on changes. This rigorous process ensures that only amendments with widespread support are enacted, reflecting a balance between federal and state powers.