Amend + Articles

1st Amendment

Freedoms - Speech, religion, press, assembly, petition.

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in homes during peace.

4th Amendment

No unreasonable searches or seizures; need a warrant.

5th Amendment

Rights of the accused - no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination, due process, just compensation.

6th Amendment

Right to a fair, speedy, public trial with a lawyer and witnesses.

7th Amendment

Right to a jury in civil cases.

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment; no excessive bail.

9th Amendment

People have more rights than just those listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Powers not given to federal government go to states or people.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery.

14th Amendment

Equal protection and due process for all citizens; basis of incorporation.

15th Amendment

Voting rights can't be denied by race.

16th Amendment

Federal income tax is allowed.

17th Amendment

Direct election of U.S. senators.

19th Amendment

Women's right to vote.

22nd Amendment

Presidents limited to two terms.

24th Amendment

No poll tax for voting.

25th Amendment

Presidential succession and disability process.

26th Amendment

Voting age lowered to 18.

Article I

Creates Congress (House + Senate), gives it lawmaking power, lists enumerated powers, and includes the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Article II

Establishes the presidency, explains powers and duties (commander-in-chief, treaties, appointments), and the Electoral College.

Article III

Creates the Supreme Court, gives Congress power to create lower courts, and defines jurisdiction. Mentions judicial independence (life tenure).

Article IV

Describes how states interact, includes Full Faith and Credit Clause, Privileges and Immunities Clause, and extradition.

Article V

Outlines how to amend the Constitution: 2/3 of Congress + 3/4 of states.

Article VI

Declares the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land. Also requires oaths of office and bans religious tests.

Article VII

Describes how the Constitution would be ratified (needed 9 of 13 states).