AP Gov Required Amendments

1st Amendment:
Protects the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

 2nd Amendment:
Gives people the right to keep and bear arms (own and carry weapons).

4th Amendment:
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The government needs a warrant or probable cause to search you or your property.

5th Amendment:
Gives rights to people accused of crimes. It protects against self-incrimination (having to testify against yourself), double jeopardy (being tried twice for the same crime), and ensures due process (fair treatment under the law).

 6th Amendment:
Guarantees the right to a fair, speedy, and public trial by an impartial jury in criminal cases. Also ensures the right to a lawyer, to know your charges, and to question witnesses against you.

10th Amendment:
Says that any powers not given to the federal government in the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people.

13th Amendment:
Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment:
Grants citizenship to anyone born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens.

15th Amendment:
Prohibits denying someone the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude (gave African American men the right to vote).

16th Amendment:
Gives Congress the power to collect income taxes.

17th Amendment:
Establishes the direct election of U.S. senators by the people (instead of being chosen by state legislatures).

19th Amendment:
Gives women the right to vote.

22nd Amendment:
Limits the president to two terms in office.

24th Amendment:
Bans poll taxes (fees people had to pay to vote in federal elections).

25th Amendment:
Lays out the process for replacing the president or vice president if they die, resign, are removed, or become disabled.

26th Amendment:
Lowers the voting age from 21 to 18.