Amendments

List of 27 Amendments

1st Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, petition, assembly, press

Free Exercise Clause: You can freely perform the practices of the religion of your choice

Establishment Clause: The US will never establish a national/state religion

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

You do not have to quarter troops

4th Amendment

If the government searches or seizes your property, they must have a warrant signed by a judge that shows probable cause to do this and explains the location and specifics of the property.

5th Amendment

When accused of a crime, you have the right to due process in the court system including the following:

-Protection against double jeopardy (being charged for the same crime twice)

-Right to not self-incriminate

-Right to due process of the courts before any life, liberty, or property is deprived

Additionally, your property will not be seized for public use without compensation (eminent domain)

6th Amendment

During your trial, you will have:

-A speedy and public trial

-An impartial jury from the state where the crime occurred

-You will be told what crime you are being accused of

-You can confront any witnesses who testify against you

-You can present witnesses who will help your case

-You can have a lawyer

7th Amendment

If there is a dispute where the damages or amount owed is above $20, then you can sue in civil court with a jury

8th Amendment

You will not be charged a bail that is beyond what is necessary. Your punishment will not be “cruel and unusual” and any fine will not be higher than what fits the crime.

9th Amendment

You have additional rights that are not listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Any power not delegated to the federal government in the Constitution is reserved for the states

11th Amendment

Federal courts will not hear lawsuits where a state is sued by someone who is not a citizen of that state (either because they live in a different state or because they are not a US citizen)

12th Amendment

Created a single ticket for President and Vice President together for the electoral college votes

13th Amendment

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

14th Amendment

-All people born or naturalized into the US are citizens.

-Privileges and Immunities Clause: No state can make or enforce a law that limits the privileges and immunities of US citizenship

-Due Process Clause: No state can deprive anyone of life, liberty, or property without due process

-Equal Protection Clause: No state can deprive a person of equal protection under the law

15th Amendment

The right to vote cannot be abridged on the basis of race or previous condition of servitude

16th Amendment

Congress can levy a federal income tax

17th Amendment

Direct election of US Senators

18th Amendment

Prohibited the sale, manufacturing, or transportation of alcohol

19th Amendment

The right to vote cannot be abridged on the basis of gender

20th Amendment

Shortened the “lame duck” period by moving Presidential inaugurations to January (instead of March)

21st Amendment

Overturned the 18th amendment’s prohibition on alcohol

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to 2 terms or 10 years

23 Amendment

Provides Washington DC with 3 electoral college votes

24th Amendment

Prohibits the use of poll taxes

25th Amendment

Specifies the Presidential order of succession both for permanent and temporary situations, how to replace a VP vacancy

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18

27th Amendment

If Congress passes a budget/legislation that increases their own salary, that new salary will not go into effect until after the next election.