Amendments to the Constitution.

• 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  Repealed the 18th amendment (prohibition)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