Amendments 1-27 (Definition)

Amendment 1

Freedom of religion, speech, and the press; rights of assembly and petition

Amendment 2

Right to bear arms

Amendment 3

Forbids the government from housing troops in private homes during times of peace. During times of war, troops can occupy homes only with legal permission

Amendment 4

Requires search and arrest warrants

Amendment 5

Grants rights in criminal cases including protection against double jeopardy and that no one has to stand trial for a federal crime unless accused by a grand jury--a special panel selected to decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial

Amendment 6

Right to a fair trial. The trial must be prompt, public, and include an open-minded jury. The accused must have a lawyer and know the charges against them

Amendment 7

Provides jury trials for civil cases (person A sues person B) exceeding $20

Amendment 8

Bails, fines, and punishments must be fair and humane--not cruel and unusual

Amendment 9

Just because some rights are listed doesn't mean others do not exist for the people.

Amendment 10

The states or the people retain all powers not given to the national government. For example, they have authority over such matters as marriage and divorce.

Amendment 11

A citizen from one state cannot sue another state in court.

Amendment 12

Electors will vote for president and vice president separately.

Amendment 13

Slavery is abolished.

Amendment 14

Former slaves are legal U.S. citizens and everyone has equal protection under the law.

Amendment 15

African Americans have the right to vote.

Amendment 16

Congress shall have the power to levy income taxes.

Amendment 17

Direct election of U.S. senators.

Amendment 18

Prohibition (People cannot make, sell, or transport alcohol)

Amendment 19

Women can vote

Amendment 20

The President's term starts on Jan. 20

Amendment 21

Repealed the 18th amendment (prohibition)

Amendment 22

Limits the president to two terms

Amendment 23

D.C. gets three electoral votes

Amendment 24

Prohibits poll tax

Amendment 25

Deals with issues of presidential succession

Amendment 26

18 year olds have the right to vote

Amendment 27

Prohibits any law that increases or decreases the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until the start of the next set of terms of office for Representatives.