Congressional Amendments + The Articles of the Constitution

How many articles are in the US Constitution?

7 articles

What does the 1st article of the Constitution focus on?

The Legislative Branch

What does the 2nd article of the Constitution focus on?

The Executive Branch

What does the 3rd article of the Constitution focus on?

The Judicial Branch

What does the 4th article of the Constitution focus on?

Relations Among States

What does the 5th article of the Constitution focus on?

The Amendment Process

What does the 6th article of the Constitution focus on?

The Supremacy Clause & Oaths

What does the 7th article of the Constitution focus on?

The Ratification of the Constitution

How many congressional amendments are in the Constitution?

27 amendments

What’s the purpose of the 1st Amendment?

ensures freedom of speech (expression), religion, press, petition, and assembly

What’s the purpose of the 2nd Amendment?

protects the right to bear arms

What’s the purpose of the 3rd Amendment?

abolishes the quartering of troops

What’s the purpose of the 4th Amendment?

protects AGAINST unreasonable searches & seizures

What’s the purpose of the 5th Amendment?

ensures due process of law; double jeopardy; must be indicted by Grand Jury; eminent domain

What’s the purpose of the 6th Amendment?

ensures a speedy, public trial w/ impartial jury & the right to a lawyer for criminal trials

What’s the purpose of the 7th Amendment?

ensures a trial by jury for civil trials (if it involves more than $20)

What’s the purpose of the 8th Amendment?

prevents excessive bails; prevents cruel & unusual punishment

What’s the purpose of the 9th Amendment?

emphasizes that the rights of citizens are not limited to those listed (enumerated) in the constitution

What’s the purpose of the 10th Amendment?

states any powers not given to the federal government (in the Constitution) are reserved for the states

What’s the purpose of the 11th Amendment?

ensures no state may be sued in federal court by a resident of another state or foreign country

What’s the purpose of the 12th Amendment?

changes in the Electoral College procedure — separated ballot for President & Vice President when the EC votes

What’s the purpose of the 13th Amendment?

prohibits slavery EXCEPT as punishment for a crime

What’s the purpose of the 14th Amendment?

ensures citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law for all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. regardless of race

What’s the purpose of the 15th Amendment?

prohibits the denial for one to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of slavery

What’s the purpose of the 16th Amendment?

lets Congress impose a federal income tax on individuals & corporations w/o being based on state population

What’s the purpose of the 17th Amendment?

mandates the direct/popular election of U.S. Senators

What’s the purpose of the 18th Amendment?

prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol

What’s the purpose of the 19th Amendment?

ensures women’s right to vote

What’s the purpose of the 20th Amendment?

changed start dates for Presidential and Congressional terms (January 20th for President, January 3rd for Congress) & makes sure that the VP takes office if the President dies

What’s the purpose of the 21st Amendment?

repeals the 18th amendment (ended nationwide ban on alcohol)

What’s the purpose of the 22nd Amendment?

limited presidential terms to 2 years, 10 years maximum

What’s the purpose of the 23rd Amendment?

gives an electoral vote to the District of Colombia (D.C.)

What’s the purpose of the 24th Amendment?

to outlaw poll taxes

What’s the purpose of the 25th Amendment?

clarifies that if the president dies, resigns, or is removed, the vice president becomes president

What’s the purpose of the 26th Amendment?

sets the minimum age for voting at 18 years old

What’s the purpose of the 27th Amendment?

congressional pay (limits Congress’ ability to change salary)