FCLE Amendments

Amendment 1

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Of the Press, Assembly, and Petition

Amendment 2

Protect the people’s right to bear arms

Amendment 3

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

Amendment 4

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

Amendment 5

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

Amendment 6

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

Amendment 7

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

Amendment 8

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

Amendment 9

People have other rights not specifically stated in the Constitution

Amendment 10

Gives all powers not specifically given to the United States government in the Constitution to either the States or the people

Amendment 11

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

Amendment 12

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

Amendment 13

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude

Amendment 14

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

Amendment 15

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

Amendment 16

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

Amendment 17

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

Amendment 18

Prohibition of the drinking, manufacture, and sale of alcohol

Amendment 19

Gave women the right to vote

Amendment 20

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

Amendment 21

Repealed the 18th Amendment and prohibition of alcohol

Amendment 22

Limits the President to two terms in office

Amendment 23

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

Amendment 24

Prohibited the poll tax

Amendment 25

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

Amendment 26

Sets the national voting age at 18. Cannot be set any higher

Amendment 27

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