Reasons why the Constitution has been amended 2.12 Reasons why the Constitution has been amended

To protect basic rights To protect citizens accused of a crime The Constitution has been amended To protect basic rights To protect citizens accused of a crime To adapt to changes in the country (ex-after the civil war) To add to voters’ rights

Protection of basic rights The first amendments protect the basic rights of citizens

Protection of basic rights 1st Amendment -Personal Freedoms 2nd Amendment -Bear Arms for protection 3rd Amendment -Can’t be forced to house soldiers

Protect the rights of someone accused of a crime Amendments have been added to Protect the rights of someone accused of a crime

Rights of the accused 4th Amendment no illegal search or seizure of property 5th Amendment Guarantees due process (fair legal process)

Rights of the accused 6th Amendment right to a lawyer and a speedy trial by jury 8th Amendment No cruel or unusual punishment

Civil War amendments

After the Civil War amendments were added to protect the rights of free slaves

13th Amendment Frees the slaves 14th Amendment Granted equal rights to slaves 15th Amendment Gave slaves the right to vote

Voting rights and election Amendments

Voting rights and election Amendments 15th Amendment Gives slaves the right to vote

Voting rights and election Amendments 19th Amendment Gives women the right to vote 23rd Amendment Citizens of D.C. can vote for President (3 electors)

Voting rights and election Amendments 24th Amendment Bans states from requiring polls taxes 26th Amendment Sets voting age at 18 years old

To protect basic rights To protect citizens accused of a crime The Constitution has been amended To protect basic rights To protect citizens accused of a crime To adapt to changes in the country (ex-after the civil war) To add to voters’ rights