Constitution and Bill of rights

Vocabulary flashcards covering the amendments listed in the lecture notes.

1st Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the housing of soldiers in private homes without the owner’s consent.

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants required for searches.

5th Amendment

Right to due process; protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; safeguards in criminal proceedings.

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial; right to counsel; impartial jury; to confront witnesses.

7th Amendment

Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

People retain rights not listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Sovereign immunity: states cannot be sued in federal court by individuals.

12th Amendment

Separate ballots for President and Vice President; electors cast distinct votes.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery.

14th Amendment

Citizenship rights for those born or naturalized in the U.S.; due process and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Right to vote cannot be denied on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th Amendment

Gives Congress the power to levy an income tax.

17th Amendment

Direct election of U.S. Senators by the people.

18th Amendment

Prohibition of alcohol (later repealed by the 21st).

19th Amendment

Women’s suffrage; women have the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Defines terms and inauguration dates; sets the start of presidential and congressional terms (President Jan 20, Congress Jan 3) to reduce lame-duck period.

21st Amendment

Repeal of Prohibition (repeals the 18th Amendment).

22nd Amendment

President may serve only two terms.

23rd Amendment

Citizens in Washington, D.C. gain the right to vote for President (electoral votes for DC).

24th Amendment

Abolishes poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment

Rules for presidential succession and disability; VP becomes President if the President dies or resigns; procedures for filling a vacancy.

26th Amendment

Voting age set to 18.

27th Amendment

Congress cannot raise its own pay until the next term.

The first 10 amendments of the Constitution are called?

The bill of rights