27 Amendments of the US Constitution

Simplified for our understanding

1st Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Speech, of the Press, Assembly, and
Petition

2nd Amendment

Protects the people's right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

No soldier can be quartered in a home without the permission of the owner

4th Amendment

Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and sets
out requirements for search warrants based on probable
cause

5th Amendment

Protects rights of due process and the right to remain silent ("plead the 5th"), double jeopardy

6th Amendment

The right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of one's peers; to have witnesses and to give a defense

7th Amendment

The right to a trial by jury in civil cases for amounts of $20
or more

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and
unusual punishments

9th Amendment

People have other rights not specifically stated in the
Constitution

10th Amendment

Gives all powers not specifically given to the United States
government in the Constitution, to either the states or to
the people

11th Amendment

Determines when and if a state can be sued; states cannot
be sued by people from other states or by foreigners

12th Amendment

The Electoral College must vote for the President and the
Vice President separately

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude

14th Amendment

Makes anyone born on US soil a citizen and guarantees
equal protection under the law

15th Amendment

Gave all men the right to vote regardless of race or color
or whether they had been slaves

16th Amendment

Created an income tax and gave the Federal government
the power to collect it

17th Amendment

Creates the direct election by the people of Senators

18th Amendment

Prohibition of the drinking, manufacture, and sale of alcohol

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote

20th Amendment

Gives details on the terms of office for Congress and President; shortens "lame duck" period (time between election and inauguration)

21st Amendment

Repealed the 18th amendment (prohibition)

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office (or 10 years)

23rd Amendment

Gave Washington, D.C. representatives in the electoral
college so that citizens of D.C. could participate in the
electoral process, even though it is not an official state

24th Amendment

Prohibited the poll tax

25th Amendment

Explains what happens when the President dies or is
unable to continue in office (Succession)

26th Amendment

Sets the national voting age at 18, cannot be set any
higher

27th Amendment

Any changes in Congressional salaries will take place
after the next term starts