U.S. Constitutional Amendments

Flashcards covering key concepts and significance of the U.S. Constitutional Amendments.

1st Amendment

Guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition, protecting fundamental rights from government interference.

2nd Amendment

Establishes the right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers in private homes, a response to British practices before the Revolution.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants for government searches.

5th Amendment

Guarantees due process, protection from double jeopardy, and self-incrimination, safeguarding individuals in legal proceedings.

6th Amendment

Ensures the right to a fair and speedy trial in criminal cases.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to trial by jury in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and limits excessive fines and punishments.

9th Amendment

Protects rights beyond those explicitly stated in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Limits the federal government to the powers delegated to it by the Constitution, strengthening state power.

11th Amendment

Limits lawsuits against states, preventing states from being sued in federal court without their consent.

12th Amendment

Revises presidential election procedures, establishing the Electoral College process.

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude in the U.S.

14th Amendment

Defines citizenship, guarantees equal protection under the law, and ensures due process, expanding civil rights and federal protections.

15th Amendment

Grants voting rights to African American men, prohibiting denial of the right to vote based on race.

16th Amendment

Authorizes the federal government to collect taxes on individual income.

17th Amendment

Provides for the direct election of U.S. Senators by the voters of each state.

18th Amendment

Prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of alcohol (Prohibition), later repealed.

19th Amendment

Guarantees women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Changes the dates of presidential and congressional terms, shortening the 'lame duck' period.

21st Amendment

Repeals the 18th Amendment, ending nationwide Prohibition.

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office.

23rd Amendment

Gives residents of Washington, D.C. the right to vote for president.

24th Amendment

Abolishes poll taxes, removing a barrier to voting for the poor.

25th Amendment

Establishes rules for presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18.

27th Amendment

Prevents Congress from giving itself a pay raise that takes effect before the next election.