APUSH Midterm: Amendments to the Constitution

1st to 26th

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition; prevents government from restricting expression.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms for defense and security.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the government from forcing citizens to house soldiers during peacetime.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; requires warrants based on probable cause.

5th Amendment

Provides due process rights, protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and ensures compensation for taken property (eminent domain).

6th Amendment

Guarantees a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to an attorney, and the right to confront witnesses.

7th Amendment

Guarantees jury trials in most civil cases involving disputes over money or property.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail or fines and bans cruel and unusual punishments.

9th Amendment

States that people have additional rights not listed in the Constitution; rights are not limited to those written.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Limits the ability to sue states in federal court, protecting state sovereign immunity.

12th Amendment

Changes the presidential election process by requiring separate Electoral College ballots for president and vice president.

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment

Defines citizenship; requires states to provide due process and equal protection; greatly expands civil rights protections.

15th Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th Amendment

Gives Congress the power to levy a federal income tax without apportioning it among the states.

17th Amendment

Establishes direct election of U.S. senators by the people rather than state legislatures.

18th Amendment

Bans the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the U.S. (Prohibition).

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote nationwide.

20th Amendment

Moves inauguration dates for president and Congress; shortens lame-duck period to speed government transition.

21st Amendment

Repeals the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition and returning alcohol regulation to the states.

22nd Amendment

Limits presidents to two elected terms in office.

23rd Amendment

Grants Washington, D.C. three electoral votes in presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Bans poll taxes in federal elections, protecting voting access for low-income citizens.

25th Amendment

Establishes procedures for presidential succession, filling a vice-presidential vacancy, and handling presidential disability.

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age from 21 to 18 for all federal and state elections.