Guide to Remembering the 27 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Introduction

• The guide provides easy-to-remember associations for each amendment.

The Amendments

1st Amendment

• Gesture: Finger to lips
• Key Points: Freedom of speech, press, and religion

2nd Amendment

• Gesture: Two fingers forming a gun
• Key Points: Right to keep and bear arms

3rd Amendment

• Gesture: Three is a crowd
• Key Points: Protection from quartering troops

4th Amendment

• Gesture: Four walls of a house
• Key Points: Protection from unreasonable search and seizure

5th Amendment

• Gesture: Five fingers covering mouth
• Key Points: Right against self-incrimination ("Plead the Fifth")

6th Amendment

• Gesture: Point at wrist (watch)
• Key Points: Right to a speedy trial

7th Amendment

• Gesture: Lucky 7 at the casino
• Key Points: Right to a trial by jury in civil suits

8th Amendment

• Gesture: Cuffs too tight, form an eight
• Key Points: Protection against excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment

9th Amendment

• Gesture: German "nine" for "no"
• Key Points: Rights not listed in the Constitution cannot be violated

10th Amendment

• Gesture: Both hands up, "stop"
• Key Points: States' rights, powers not delegated to the federal government

11th Amendment

• Gesture: One-on-one fight
• Key Points: States cannot be sued by individuals from another state

12th Amendment

• Gesture: Number 1 and 2
• Key Points: Election of President and Vice President process

13th Amendment

• Gesture: Unlucky 13
• Key Points: Abolished slavery

14th Amendment

• Gesture: 1 for all, all for 1
• Key Points: Equal protection and due process

15th Amendment

• Gesture: 1-5 as in "race"
• Key Points: Right to vote cannot be denied based on race or color

16th Amendment

• Gesture: Turn 16, start working, pay taxes
• Key Points: Congress can collect income taxes

17th Amendment

• Gesture: 1 and 7 form an arrow
• Key Points: Direct election of Senators

18th Amendment

• Gesture: 18, legal adult, prohibition
• Key Points: Prohibited alcohol (Prohibition)

19th Amendment

• Gesture: 1 and 9 together form a woman
• Key Points: Women's suffrage

20th Amendment

• Gesture: January 20th, President's start date
• Key Points: Terms of President and Congress

21st Amendment

• Gesture: Legal drinking age 21
• Key Points: Repealed Prohibition

22nd Amendment

• Gesture: 2 terms (2-2)
• Key Points: Limits President to two terms

23rd Amendment

• Gesture: 2-3 D.C.
• Key Points: Gave Washington D.C. electors

24th Amendment

• Gesture: Cheer 2-4, hate taxes
• Key Points: No poll tax required to vote

25th Amendment

• Gesture: 25 will survive
• Key Points: Presidential succession

26th Amendment

• Gesture: 2 + 6 = 8, vote at 18
• Key Points: Right to vote at 18

27th Amendment

• Gesture: 27 pays, next election raise
• Key Points: Congress's pay raises take effect after next election

Conclusion

• Share the guide if it's helpful.