27 amendments

1st Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, press, rights of assembly, and to petition

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers without the consent of the people

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

5th Amendment

Due process rights in criminal cases. Protects against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and establishes grand jury proceedings and just compensation

6th Amendment

Rights to a fair and speedy criminal trial, impartial jury, right to counsel, and right to force witnesses for defense (subpoena).

7th Amendment

Right to a trial by jury in civil (non-criminal) cases.

8th Amendment

No excessive bails, fines, or cruel and unusual punishments

9th Amendment

Powers and rights are retained by the people. The enumeration (listing) of rights in the Constitution or Bill of Rights does not imply that that list is exclusive.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to the national government are retained by the states or people

11th Amendment

States have immunity from being sued by citizens of another state (or citizens of a foreign state).

12th Amendment

Provides for election of President and VP. Establishes the current operation of the electoral college and the current process for electing the VP. Stipulates that President and VP run as a ticket (team) instead of individually.

13th Amendment

Abolition of slavery (involuntary servitude) except for punishment of a crime.

14th Amendment

States must provide due process of law, respect all citizens' civil rights and protect equal protection of the law. Defined citizenship and citizens' rights.

15th Amendment

Suffrage (the vote) for African American males

16th Amendment

Gave Congress the power to pass a federal income tax

17th Amendment

Provides for the election of U.S. senators by the people rather than by state legislatures (direct election of US senators).

18th Amendment

Prohibition of alcoholic beverages

19th Amendment

Women granted suffrage (the vote)

20th Amendment

Set terms for the President and Congress, "lame duck" amendment that moved date when Congress and the President take office from March to January. January 3 for Congress; January 20 at noon for President and VP.

21st Amendment

Repealed prohibition

22nd Amendment

Set two-term limit for President.

23rd Amendment

Granted suffrage to the citizens of Washington, DC in election of the president by providing DC with 3 electoral votes

24th Amendment

Poll tax eliminated as a requirement for the right to vote

25th Amendment

Provides for procedures in case of presidential disability and succession and for filling vacancy in the vice presidency

26th Amendment

Granted suffrage to 18,19, and 20-year-olds (lowered the nation-wide voting age to 18)

27th Amendment

Changes (increases) in the salary of members of Congress do not go into effect until after an election of members of the Senate and House of Representatives.