Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

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

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 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 witness on your behalf, and the right to counsel.

2nd Amendment

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

13th Amendment

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

16th Amendment

Allows the federal government to tax income.

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote (suffrage).

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes as a voting requirement in federal elections.

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!

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.

What is the significance of the 25th Amendment?

Establishes procedures for presidential succession, disability and inability to carry out duties. President ——> Vice President ——> Speaker of the House, etc.

What does the 11th Amendment prevent?

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

20th Amendment

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

What does the 8th Amendment protect against?

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

1st Amendment

Protects the rights to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

9th Amendment

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

17th Amendment

Establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators by the voters.

15th Amendment

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

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office.

18th Amendment

Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States.

21st Amendment

Repealed the 18th Amendment, allowing the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.

27th Amendment

Limits congressional pay increases until after the next election.

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.

12th Amendment

Revised the presidential election process, providing for separate votes for President and Vice President in the Electoral College.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

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) must 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