Government - The 27 Amendments and Their Categories

The 1st Amendment (1791)

Congress may not violate the rights of freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly, and petition.

The 2nd Amendment (1791)

Each state has the right to maintain a militia. Individuals can own and use weapons. (The right to bear arms)

The 3rd Amendment (1791)

The government may not quarter, or house, soldiers in the people’s homes during peacetime without the people’s permission. (Soldiers cannot be quartered in homes in times of peace)

The 4th Amendment (1791)

The government may not search or take a person’s property without a warrant. (Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures)

The 5th Amendment (1791)

A person has a right to a Grand Jury, may not be tried twice for the same crime (double jeopardy), does not have to testify against themselves (“I plead the 5th—protection from self-incrimination), cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process, private property cannot be taken for use without just compensation (Eminent Domain).

The 6th Amendment (1791)

A person charged with a crime has the right to speedy and public trial with an impartial jury and right to a lawyer or counsel.

The 7th Amendment (1791)

A person in a civil case is guaranteed a trial by jury in civil cases involving more than $20.

The 8th Amendment (1791)

A person is protected from excessive or unreasonable fines cruel and unusual punishment.

The 9th Amendment

The people have rights other than those mentioned in the Constitution. Enumerated Rights; many other rights exist and cannot be denied.

The 10th Amendment (1791)

Any power not given to the Federal Government by the Constitution is a power of either the State or the People. (The reserved powers of the State and People).

The 11th Amendment (1795)

Citizens of a State or foreign country may not sue another State in federal court (judicial limits on federal courts to hear cased brought against states).

The 12th Amendment (1804)

The Electoral College will vote separately for President and Vice President rather than together in one ballot. (Basically avoids a Trump/Harris Presidency).

The 13th Amendment (1865)

Slavery is outlawed in the United States as well as involuntary servitude.

The 14th Amendment (1868)

States shall not deprive persons of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. The 3/5ths Compromise is repealed, and all persons count in the census. (Citizenship to former slaves and natural born citizens)

The 15th Amendment (1870)

Citizens are guaranteed the right to vote, regardless of race, color, or status of former servitude.

The 16th Amendment (1913)

Congress has the right to set up an income tax (Federal income tax).

The 17th Amendment (1913)

US Senators are elected directly by voters in each state as opposed to elected by state legislatures. (Direct Election of Senators).

The 18th Amendment (1919)

Making or selling alcohol is illegal (Prohibition).

The 19th Amendment (1920)

Citizens are guaranteed the right to vote, regardless of sex. (Women’s suffrage)

The 20th Amendment (1933)

The President takes office on January 20th. Term ends at noon on 20th of January. Congress’ term begins January 3rd.

The 21st Amendment (1933)

Repealed the 18th Amendment of prohibition.

The 22nd Amendment (1951)

No President can be elected to more than 2 terms.

The 23rd Amendment (1961)

People living in Washington DC may vote in presidential and vice presidential elections. DC has 3 Presidential Electors.

The 24th Amendment (1964)

People may vote for President, Vice President, and Congress without paying a voting tax. (Abolished poll tax)

The 25th Amendment (1967)

The Vice President becomes the President in the event President is disabled. President can appoint a new VP if a vacancy occurs.

The 26th Amendment (1971)

Citizens who are at least 18 years of age are guaranteed the right to vote.

The 27th Amendment (1992)

Any pay raise to the House of Representatives may approve for its members does not take effect until after the next congressional election. (Representatives cannot set their own pay).

What category/categories does the 1st Amendment fall under?

Personal Right, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 2nd Amendment fall under?

Personal Right, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 3rd Amendment fall under?

Personal Rights, Bill of RIghts

What category/categories does the 4th Amendment fall under?

Personal Rights, Criminal Rights, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 5th Amendment fall under?

Criminal Rights, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 6th Amendment fall under?

Criminal Rights, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 7th Amendment fall under?

Criminal Right, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 8th Amendment fall under?

Criminal Right, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 9th Amendment fall under?

Personal Rights, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 10th Amendment fall under?

Personal Right, Bill of Rights

What category/categories does the 11th Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Scope of Federal, Government Power

What category/categories does the 12th Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Federal Elections and Terms

What category/categories does the 13th Amendment fall under?

Personal Right, Civil War Amendment

What category/categories does the 14th Amendment fall under?

Personal Right, Civil War Amendment

What category/categories does the 15 Amendment fall under?

Voting Rights, Suffrage Amendment, Civil War Amendments

What category/categories does the 16th Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Scope of Federal, Government Power, Progressive Era Amendment

What category/categories does the 17th Amendment fall under?

Voting Rights, Federal Elections and Terms, Progressive Era Amendment

What category/categories does the 18th Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Prohibition, Progressive Era Amendment

What category/categories does the 19th Amendment fall under?

Voting Rights, Suffrage Amendment, Progressive Era Amendment

What category/categories does the 20th Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Federal Elections and Terms

What category/categories does the 21st Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Prohibition

What category/categories does the 22nd Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Federal Election and Terms

What category/categories does the 23rd Amendment fall under?

Voting Rights, Suffrage Amendment

What category/categories does the 24th Amendment fall under?

Voting Right, Suffrage Amendment

What category/categories does the 25th Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Federal Elections and Terms

What category/categories does the 27th Amendment fall under?

Voting Right, Suffrage Amendment

What category/categories does the 27th Amendment fall under?

Structural Change, Scope of Federal Government Power