Overview
This lecture details the 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, summarizing their ratification dates, purposes, and significant impacts on American law and society.
The Amendment Process
- Amendments can be proposed by a two-thirds majority in Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
- Ratification requires approval by three-fourths (38 out of 50) of state legislatures or conventions.
Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10)
- 1st: Guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
- 2nd: Protects the right to keep and bear arms, debated as individual or collective.
- 3rd: Prohibits forced quartering of soldiers in private homes.
- 4th: Guards against unreasonable searches and seizures.
- 5th: Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy; ensures due process and just compensation for taken property.
- 6th: Ensures public trial, impartial jury, right to counsel, and confront witnesses.
- 7th: Guarantees jury trial in civil cases.
- 8th: Prohibits excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishment.
- 9th: Affirms existence of rights beyond those listed in the Constitution.
- 10th: Reserves powers not delegated to federal government for states or people.
Foundational and Civil War Amendments (11-15)
- 11th: Limits lawsuits against states.
- 12th: Revises presidential election procedures, separating votes for president and vice president.
- 13th: Abolishes slavery in the U.S.
- 14th: Grants citizenship to all born in U.S.; ensures due process and equal protection.
- 15th: Prohibits denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous servitude.
Progressive Era and Voting Rights (16-19)
- 16th: Authorizes federal income tax.
- 17th: Establishes direct election of U.S. senators by voters.
- 18th: Institutes Prohibition (ban on manufacture, sale, transport of alcohol).
- 19th: Grants women the right to vote.
Modern Amendments (20-27)
- 20th: Sets terms for president and Congress; reduces "lame duck" period.
- 21st: Repeals Prohibition (18th Amendment).
- 22nd: Limits presidents to two terms.
- 23rd: Grants D.C. residents right to vote in presidential elections.
- 24th: Abolishes poll taxes in federal elections.
- 25th: Details presidential succession and disability procedures.
- 26th: Lowers voting age to 18.
- 27th: Delays laws affecting congressional pay until after next election.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Due process — Legal requirement for fair treatment in judicial proceedings.
- Equal protection — Guarantee that laws apply equally to all citizens.
- Prohibition — Nationwide constitutional ban on alcohol (1919–1933).
- Suffrage — The right to vote in political elections.
- Poll tax — Fee required to vote, used to suppress voter turnout.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review each amendment’s date and purpose for exam preparation.
- Study recent Supreme Court cases interpreting key amendments (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 14th).
- Read the full text of the U.S. Constitution and its amendments.