Constitutional Amendments Review (AP GOV)

Step 1 (common)

Propose

A vote two-thirds (2/3) of both houses of Congress proposes an amendment

Step 1 (uncommon)

Propose

Two-thirds (2/3) of a state legislatures ask for a meeting to propose an amendment. This meeting is called a Convention. The amendment is proposed at the national convention

Step 2 (common)

Three-fourths (3/4) of state legislatures ratify the amendment

step 2 (uncommon)

Three-fourths (3/4) of special state conventions ratify the amendment

1

Guarantees freedom of religion, of speech, of press, right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government.

2

Protects the right to possess firearms.

3

Declares that the government may not require people to house soldiers during peacetime.

4

Protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures.

5

Includes protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; guarantees due process of law.

6

Guarantees the right to a speedy, public trial, to confront witnesses, and to legal counsel.

7

Guarantees the right to trial by jury in most civil cases.

8

Prohibits excessive bail, fines, and “cruel and unusual” punishments.

9

Declares that rights not mentioned in the Constitution belong to the people.

10

Declares that powers not given to the national government belong to the states or the people

11 (1975)

Grants states immunity from certain lawsuits.

Limits the power of federal courts to hear lawsuits against state governments brought by the citizens of another state or the citizens of a foreign country

12 (1804)

Separates voting for President and Vice President.

13 (1865)

Abolishes slavery.

14 (1868)

Defines citizenship; prohibits states from denying people due process and equal protection of the law.

15 (1870)

Grants voting rights for African American men

16 (1913)

Gives Congress power to tax incomes

17 (1913)

Requires election of US Senators by good people of a state, not the state legislatures

18 (1919)

Prohibits manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.

19 (1920)

Grants women the right to votes

20 (1933)

Shortens amount of time between election of president and of Congress and start of their term of office.

21 (1933)

Repeals 18th Amendment

22 (1951)

Limits president to 2 terms

23 (1961)

Grants electoral votes and right to vote in presidential elections for the District of Columbia.

24 (1964)

Abolishes poll taxes as qualifications for voting in federal elections.

25 (1964)

Sets procedure for determining presidential disability and succession, and for filling a vice-presidential vacancy.

26 (1971)

Lowers voting age from 21 to 18

27 (1971)

Bans mid-term congressional pay raises