Amendment One This prohibits Congress from interfering with freedom of speech, press, and religion, and with the right to assemble peaceably and to petition the government. It provides for the separation of church and state. Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition
Amendment Two Since a state militia is considered necessary, the right of the people to bear arms shall not be infringed. The Federal Government and the States reserve the right to regulate firearms. Right to Bear Arms
Amendment Three Forbids the quartering of soldiers in private homes in peacetime except with the owners consent. No Quartering of Troops
Amendment Four Prohibits the unreasonable search and seizure of persons and property, and forbids the use of general warrants for search or arrest. Search and Seizures
Amendment Five Provides that a person accused of a crime may not be tried twice (double jeopardy) for the same offense and that he may not be compelled to be a witness against himself (give self-incriminating evidence). No private property may be taken for public use without a fair price being paid. No one may be deprived of life, liberty, property without due process of law (without a fair trial conducted according to proper procedures). Rights of the Accused Person
Amendment Six Give an accused person in a criminal case the right to a speedy trial, to an impartial jury, to knowledge of the charges against him, and to defense counsel. The accused also has the right to confront hostile witnesses and to obtain friendly witnesses. Right to a Speedy, Fair Trial
Amendment Seven Guarantees a jury trial in most civil cases. This amendment is all about responsibility, reliability, and money. Civil Suits
Amendment Eight The amount of bail required must bear a reasonable relationship to the seriousness of the crime. The prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment forbids any punishment judged to be to harsh for the crime. Bail and Punishment 8
Amendment Nine This Amendment states the rights of the people are not limited to the rights enumerated in the first eight amendments. Such rights include the right to travel, and the right to marry. Powers Reserved to the People
Amendment Ten All other powers, except those specifically denied to the States, belong to the States or the people. Powers Reserved to the States
Amendment Eleven A state shall not be sued in a Federal court by a citizen of another state or by a citizen of a foreign country. Suits Against States
Amendment Twelve Electors (members of the electoral college) shall cast separate ballots for President and Vice President. Election of President and Vice President
Amendment Thirteen No slavery shall exist in the United States of America. Abolition of Slavery 1-3 Set Them Free
Amendment Fourteen All persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens. No State shall abridge the privileges of citizens, or deprive “any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law,” or deny any person “equal protection under the laws.” Rights of Citizens 1-4 Alien’s No More
Amendment Fifteen The right of the citizens to vote “shall not be abridged by the United States or any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Right to Vote 1-5 Voterize
Amendment Sixteen Congress shall have the power to levy a tax on income. Income Tax
Amendment Seventeen Senators shall be elected directly by the people. Direct Election of Senators
Amendment Eighteen The manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating beverages was prohibited. Prohibition of Alcoholic Beverages
Amendment Nineteen The right to vote shall not be denied by the United States or any states on account of sex. Woman’s Suffrage
Amendment Twenty A new President shall take office on January 20 following his/her election. Lame Duck
Amendment Twenty One The Eighteenth Amendment was repealed. Repeal of Prohibition
Amendment Twenty Two No person shall be elected as President of the United States for more than two terms. Limit of Presidential Terms
Amendment Twenty Three Residents of the District of Columbia shall have the right to vote for President. The districts electoral vote shall be no greater than that of the least populous state. Presidential Electors for the District of Columbia
Amendment Twenty Four The Right to vote in primaries and general elections shall not be denied because of failure to pay a poll tax. Abolition of Poll Tax
Amendment Twenty Five In case the office of the Vice President is vacant, the President shall select a new Vice President subject to the approval of Congress. In case of Presidential Disability, the Vice President may serve as acting President until the President is able to resume his duties. Sets Presidential Succession. Presidential Disability and Succession
Amendment Twenty Six The rights of citizens, 18 years old or older, to vote. No person shall be denied on account of age. Eighteen Year Old Vote
Amendment Twenty Seven This Amendment limits Congress’ power to fix the salaries of its members, delaying any increases until after the next congressional election. Restraint on Congressional Salaries