List of the 27 Amendments

Overview

• The 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are fundamental changes or additions to the nation's founding document.
• The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights, which focus on individual liberties and limitations on government power.

Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10)

1st Amendment

• Freedoms: Speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
• Prohibition: Congress cannot restrict these rights.

2nd Amendment

• Right to bear arms: Ensures the right to own firearms.

3rd Amendment

• Quartering of soldiers: Protects citizens from having to house soldiers.

4th Amendment

• Search and seizure: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants.

5th Amendment

• Protections: Against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and guarantees due process.
• Eminent Domain: Government can take private property for public use with compensation.

6th Amendment

• Fair trial: Rights to a speedy, public trial, impartial jury, and defense counsel.

7th Amendment

• Civil trial: Right to a jury trial in federal civil cases over $20.

8th Amendment

• Punishments: Bans cruel and unusual punishments and excessive fines or bail.

9th Amendment

• Unenumerated rights: People have rights beyond those listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

• States' rights: Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states.

Later Amendments (11-27)

11th Amendment

• Sovereign immunity: Limits lawsuits against states in federal courts.

12th Amendment

• Election of President and VP: Establishes separate votes for President and Vice President.

13th Amendment

• Abolition of slavery: Prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude.

14th Amendment

• Citizenship and equal protection: Defines citizenship and ensures equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

• Voting rights: Prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

16th Amendment

• Income tax: Allows Congress to levy an income tax.

17th Amendment

• Senators' election: Establishes direct election of Senators by the people.

18th Amendment

• Prohibition: Banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol (repealed by 21st Amendment).

19th Amendment

• Women's suffrage: Grants women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

• Terms of office: Sets dates for the start of presidential and congressional terms.

21st Amendment

• Repeal of Prohibition: Repeals the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition.

22nd Amendment

• Presidential term limits: Limits the president to two terms.

23rd Amendment

• D.C. electoral votes: Grants Washington D.C. representation in the Electoral College.

24th Amendment

• Poll taxes: Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment

• Presidential succession: Clarifies presidential succession and disability procedures.

26th Amendment

• Voting age: Lowers the voting age to 18.

27th Amendment

• Congressional pay: Changes to congressional pay do not take effect until after the next election.

Conclusion

• The 27 amendments reflect evolving societal values and government structures, addressing issues from individual rights to the functions of government.