27 Amendments

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, 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  • Repealed the 18th Amendment (prohibition)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, which cannot be set any higher

27th Amendment

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