The 27 Amendments - Simplified

Amendment 1

• Freedom of:
  • Speech
  • Press
  • Religion
  • Assembly
  • Petition

Amendment 2

• Right to bear arms.

Amendment 3

• Citizens do not have to house soldiers.

Amendment 4

• No unreasonable search or arrest.

Amendment 5

• No double jeopardy.
• No self-incrimination.

Amendment 6

• Right to a speedy and public trial.

Amendment 7

• Right to a jury trial in civil matters over $20.

Amendment 8

• No excessive bail or cruel punishment.

Amendment 9

• People have rights not listed in the Constitution.

Amendment 10

• Any rights not given to the federal government are given to the states and people.

Amendment 11

• Individuals cannot sue a state in a federal court.

Amendment 12

• Separate ballots for President and Vice President.

Amendment 13

• Abolishes slavery.

Amendment 14

• Defines citizenship: If you are born or naturalized in the U.S., you are a citizen.

Amendment 15

• Cannot prevent a person from voting because of race, color, or creed.

Amendment 16

• Establishes federal income tax.

Amendment 17

• Popular election of U.S. Senators.

Amendment 18

• Establishes prohibition of alcohol.

Amendment 19

• Grants women the right to vote.

Amendment 20

• Changes presidential inauguration to January 20th.

Amendment 21

• Repeals prohibition (Amendment 18).

Amendment 22

• Limits the President to two terms.

Amendment 23

• Grants Washington D.C. residents the right to vote for President.

Amendment 24

• Abolishes poll tax.

Amendment 25

• Establishes procedures for presidential succession.

Amendment 26

• Lowers voting age to 18.

Amendment 27

• Delays congressional pay raises until the next term.