1st Amendment
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition
2nd Amendment
Right to arm bears
3rd Amendment
Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers during peacetime
4th Amendment
Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures
5th Amendment
(1) Prohibits Self-Incrimination (Miranda Rights) (2) Prohibits Double Jeopardy (defendant cannot be tried again on the same, or similar charges) (3) Prohibits deprivation of life, liberty, or property without "due process of law" (fair treatment)
6th Amendment
Protects the right to a fair and speedy public trial
7th Amendment
Right to jury in civil trials.
8th Amendment
Prohibits excessive fines and excessive bail, as well as cruel and unusual punishment
9th Amendment
Protects rights not enumerated in the Constitution
10th Amendment
Powers not expressly given to federal government by the Constitution are reserved to states or the people. Also known as "reserved powers amendment" or "states' rights amendment
11th Amendment
One State cannot be sued by another state
12th Amendment
separation of votes for President and Vice President
13th Amendment
Abolished slavery. First of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War
14th Amendment
(1) All persons born in the U.S. are citizens; (2) no person can be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law; (3) no state can deprive a person of equal protection of the laws. Second of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed aft
15th Amendment
States cannot deny any person the right to vote because of race. Third of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War.
16th Amendment
Allows the federal government to collect income tax
17th Amendment
Established the direct election of senators by popular vote
18th Amendment
prohibited the manufacturing or sale of alcohol within the United States (repealed by 21st amendment)
19th Amendment
States cannot deny the right to vote based on gender
20th Amendment
Congress begins on January 3rd; President starts on January 20th
21st Amendment
Repeal of 18th Amendment
22nd Amendment
Limits the president to two terms.
23rd Amendment
Gives Washington DC electoral college votes as if it were a state
24th Amendment
Abolishes poll taxes
25th Amendment
(1) Succession of VP if president dies or become incapable to do his job. (2) if there is no VP, president must appoint one, and congress must approve
26th Amendment
States cannot deny the right to vote based on age (18+)
27th Amendment
Congressional pay raises ineffective until the next term.