AP GOV Amendments

1st Amendment

Freedom of religion (Establishment + Free Exercise Clauses), speech, press, assembly, and petition. Most litigated amendment.

2nd Amendment

Right to keep and bear arms. Individual right affirmed in DC v. Heller; incorporated to states in McDonald v. Chicago.

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent.

4th Amendment

Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants require probable cause. Exclusionary rule (Mapp v. Ohio) bars illegally obtained evidence.

5th Amendment

Grand jury; no double jeopardy; no self-incrimination; due process; takings clause (gov't must compensate for seized property).

6th Amendment

Speedy and public trial; impartial jury; right to confront witnesses; right to counsel. Incorporated to states in Gideon v. Wainwright.

7th Amendment

Right to jury trial in civil cases over $20.

8th Amendment

No excessive bail or fines; no cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

Rights not listed in Constitution are retained by the people. Used in Griswold v. Connecticut privacy reasoning.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to federal gov't are reserved to states or the people. Basis for states' rights; cited in US v. Lopez.

Reserved Powers

13th Amendment (1865)

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as criminal punishment.

14th Amendment (1868)

Citizenship; Due Process Clause; Equal Protection Clause; Privileges & Immunities. Key vehicle for incorporating Bill of Rights to states.

15th Amendment (1870)

Cannot deny right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude.

16th Amendment (1913)

Congress can levy an income tax without apportioning it by state population.

17th Amendment (1913)

Direct popular election of US Senators (previously chosen by state legislatures).

18th Amendment (1919)

Prohibited manufacture and sale of alcohol (Prohibition).

19th Amendment (1920)

Right to vote cannot be denied based on sex. Women's suffrage.

21st Amendment (1933)

Repealed Prohibition (18th Amendment).

22nd Amendment (1951)

President limited to two terms (or 10 years if completing another's term).

24th Amendment (1964)

Poll taxes prohibited in federal elections — removed a major barrier to Black voter participation.

25th Amendment (1967)

Presidential succession and disability procedures; VP becomes president if president is removed, dies, or resigns.

26th Amendment (1971)

Voting age lowered to 18. Passed during Vietnam era when 18-year-olds were being drafted.

27th Amendment (1992)

Congressional pay raises can't take effect until after the next election.