Constitutional Amendments

1st Amendment (1791)

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

2nd Amendment (1791)

Right to keep and bear arms

3rd Amendment (1791)

Soldiers can't quarter in any house, without the consent of the Owner

4th Amendment (1791)

Guards against unreasonable searches and seizures

5th Amendment (1791)

Criminal Proceedings; Due Process; Eminent Domain; Double Jeopardy; Protection from Self incrimination

6th Amendment (1791)

The right to a Speedy Trial by jury, representation by an attorney for an accused person

7th Amendment (1791)

Right to a jury trial for criminal and some civil cases

8th Amendment (1791)

Prohibits excessive fines and excessive bail, as well as cruel unusual punishment

9th Amendment (1791)

The rights of the people are not limited to just the rights listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment (1791)

Federal powers are not stated in the Constitution are reserved for the states

11th Amendment (1795)

Limits on suits against the states; if a suit is between a state and a citizen of another state, it is to be held in the Supreme Court and be initiated by the state

12th Amendment (1804)

Changes procedure for electing President and Vice-President

13th Amendment (1865)

Abolishes and prohibits slavery

14th Amendment (1868)

Granted citizenship to all persons "born or naturalized in the United States," including formerly enslaved people, and provided all citizens with "equal protection under the law."

15th Amendment (1870)

Prohibited voting restrictions based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude (slavery)

16th Amendment (1913)

Congress is given the power to tax incomes (federal income tax)

17th Amendment (1913)

Established that senators were to be elected directly by voters (instead of by state legislatures as under the Constitution originally).

18th Amendment (1919)

Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages

19th Amendment (1920)

Women gain the right to vote

20th Amendment (1933)

Removed the excessively long period of time a defeated president or member of Congress would continue to serve after his or her failed bid for reelection (Lame Duck Amendment)

21st Amendment (1933)

Repeal of Prohibition/18th Amendment

22nd Amendment (1951)

The president is limited to two terms (8 years) in office. However, it is possible for an individual to serve up to ten years as president.

23rd Amendment (1961)

Allowed citizens of Washington, D.C. to vote in presidential elections and have electoral college votes.

24th Amendment (1964)

Prohibits federal and state governments from charging poll taxes (money required to be paid before being allowed to vote in elections).

25th Amendment (1967)

The order of presidential succession in the event of death, removal, resignation, or incapacitation.

26th Amendment (1971)

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18

27th Amendment (1992)

Prevents members of Congress from granting themselves pay raises during the current legislative session. Rather, any raises that are adopted must take effect during the next session of Congress.