AP US GOV: 27 Amendments

The 27 Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, simplified.

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibition of quartering soldiers in private homes without consent.

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

5th Amendment

Rights related to indictment by a grand jury, double jeopardy, and due process.

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial, to confront witnesses, and to have counsel.

7th Amendment

Right to a jury trial in civil lawsuits.

8th Amendment

Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.

9th Amendment

Recognition that non-enumerated rights belong to the people.

10th Amendment

Rights not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states.

11th Amendment

States cannot sue another state in federal court.

12th Amendment

Establishes the procedure for electing the President and Vice President.

13th Amendment

Abolishment of slavery and involuntary servitude.

14th Amendment

Grants citizenship to all born in the U.S. and includes the equal protection clause.

15th Amendment

Prohibits discrimination in voting based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th Amendment

Allows Congress to levy an income tax.

17th Amendment

Senators are elected by the people rather than appointed by state legislatures.

18th Amendment

Establishes prohibition of alcohol.

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Sets January 20 as Inauguration Day for the President.

21st Amendment

Repeals the 18th Amendment (prohibition).

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to two terms in office.

23rd Amendment

Grants electoral votes to Washington D.C.

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment

Establishes presidential succession and procedures for filling a vacancy.

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18.

27th Amendment

Congressional salary increases take effect only after the next election.