27 Amendments

I

The freedom of speech, religion, and press. Rights of assembly and petition.

II

Right to bear arms. Congress could not disarm State militias.

III

No quartering/housing of soldiers - grew directly out of an old complaint against the British, who had forced people to take soldiers into their homes.

IV

Search and seizure - you may not be searched or have property seized without probable cause and/or a search warrant.

V

Rights of the accused:

• protection from self incrimination/miranda rights

• prohibition against double jeopardy

• right to due process

• just compensation)

VI

Rights to a fair trial:

• speedy and public trial by jury

• tried in the state where the crime was committed

• informed of the charges against the accused

• witnesses

• the right to an attorney

VII

Rights in civil cases - trial by jury in civil cases over $20

VIII

No cruel and unusual punishment - bails, fines, and punishments must be humane and fit the crime committed

IX

Rights retained by the people - any rights not listed in the constitution are still protected

• this amendment keeps the constitution open to new ones

X

Powers retained by the state and the people - they have all powers not given to national gov (ie. marriage)

XI

Authority of federal courts restricted

Lawsuits against states - it is impossible for the citizen of one state to sue another state (Chesh can’t sue NY)

XII

Election of P and VP. Provides that members of the EC vote for one person as prez and one person as VP instead of #1 votes = prez and #2 = vp

XIII

Abolition of slavery

XIV

Slaves receive citizenship and protection of due process.

Contains the due process clause and equal protection clause. Bill of rights applied to the states through incorporation using this amendment.

XV

African-American suffrage - AA receive the right to vote but no mention of gender is made

XVI

Income taxes - congress had the power to lay and collect taxes on income

• helps close the gap between the rich and the poor

XVII

Direct election of senators:

• citizens have the power to directly elect senators to represent them

• Anonymous ballot

• Recall

XVIII

Prohibition of liquor - forbade people to make, sell, or transport liquor

XIX

Women’s suffrage - feminine power to vote!!

XX

Terms of President and congress - shortens lame duck period and moves new president date to 1/20 and congress to 1/3

XXI

Repeal of prohibition/18th amendment

• due to Great Depression

XXII

Limitations of president to two terms - no person can be elected president more than twice

• also because of GD, FDR, and fear of anarchy

XXIII

Suffrage in the District of Columbia - allows citizens of Washington DC to vote in presidential elections. They still can’t vote for members of congress

XXIV

No poll taxes - forbids making voters pay a poll tax before voting in national election

XXV

Presidential disability and succession - if prez is removed, dies or resigns, VP becomes prez. The prez fulfills a VP vacancy by majority vote of both houses of congress

XXVI

Suffrage for 18 year olds - voting age moved to 18

XXVII

Congressional pay raises - any increase in congressional pay does not go into effect until after the next regular election of the house of reps