Bill of Rights

1st Amendment

Guarantees freedom of religion, assembly, petition, press, and speech.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the forced quartering of troops in private homes.

4th Amendment

Protects against illegal searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Ensures due process, the right to plead the fifth, protection against double jeopardy, jury indictment, and eminent domain.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy trial for criminal cases.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial for civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

Affirms that rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution are retained by the people.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.

11th Amendment

Limits lawsuits against states.

12th Amendment

Provides the procedure for electing the president and vice president.

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery.

14th Amendment

Guarantees equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Grants suffrage to African American men.

16th Amendment

Allows Congress to levy an income tax.

17th Amendment

Establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators.

18th Amendment

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

19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Sets the terms for Congress and the presidency.

21st Amendment

Repeals Prohibition.

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office.

23rd Amendment

Gives residents of D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment

Outlines the succession of the presidency in the event of death or incapacitation.

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18 years.

27th Amendment

Restricts congressional pay increases until the next term.