Amendments

1st Amendment

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

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms; 'A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State...'

3rd Amendment

Restricts the quartering of soldiers in private homes without owner's consent.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Includes grand jury, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process, and takings.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy trial by jury, witnesses, and counsel.

7th Amendment

Asserts the right to a jury trial in civil lawsuits above twenty dollars.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

Affirms that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny others retained by the people.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the United States nor prohibited to the states, to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Prohibits federal courts from hearing cases against a state brought by citizens of another state or foreign citizens.

12th Amendment

Revises presidential election procedures and establishes the Electoral College system.

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment

Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and ensures equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Prohibits the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th Amendment

Authorizes the federal government to levy and collect income tax.

17th Amendment

Establishes direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote.

18th Amendment

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages (Prohibition).

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Changes the dates for the start of presidential and congressional terms (the 'Lame Duck' amendment).

21st Amendment

Repeals the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition.

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office.

23rd Amendment

Grants residents of Washington, D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment

Clarifies the procedures for presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18 years.

27th Amendment

Delays any law that changes the salary of Congress members until after the next election.