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

Introduction

• The guide provides creative mnemonics to remember each of the 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Amendments 1-10: The Bill of Rights

Amendment 1

• Mnemonic: One finger against lips.
• Content: Freedom of speech, press, and religion.

Amendment 2

• Mnemonic: Two fingers forming a gun shape.
• Content: Right to keep and bear arms.

Amendment 3

• Mnemonic: Three fingers - "Three's a crowd."
• Content: Protection from quartering troops in times of peace.

Amendment 4

• Mnemonic: Four walls of a house.
• Content: Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.

Amendment 5

• Mnemonic: Five fingers covering the mouth.
• Content: Protection against self-incrimination (Plead the fifth).

Amendment 6

• Mnemonic: Point to wrist watch.
• Content: Right to a speedy trial.

Amendment 7

• Mnemonic: Lucky 7 - "Suit" from slot machines.
• Content: Right to trial by jury in civil cases.

Amendment 8

• Mnemonic: Tight cuffs form an eight.
• Content: Protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

Amendment 9

• Mnemonic: German "nine" for no.
• Content: Rights not listed are not to be violated.

Amendment 10

• Mnemonic: Both hands, all ten fingers as "Stop."
• Content: Federal government limits, states' rights.

Amendments 11-27: Subsequent Amendments

Amendment 11

• Mnemonic: One-on-one fight.
• Content: Prohibits suing other states.

Amendment 12

• Mnemonic: One and two for president and vice president.
• Content: Revises presidential election process.

Amendment 13

• Mnemonic: 13 is unlucky, as is slavery.
• Content: Abolishes slavery.

Amendment 14

• Mnemonic: 1 for all and all for 1.
• Content: Equal protection and due process for all.

Amendment 15

• Mnemonic: 1-5K race, "Race" is key.
• Content: Right to vote regardless of race or color.

Amendment 16

• Mnemonic: Begin driving, working, and being taxed at 16.
• Content: Congress can collect income taxes.

Amendment 17

• Mnemonic: Arrow for direct election.
• Content: Establishes direct election of senators.

Amendment 18

• Mnemonic: Adult but no alcohol at 18.
• Content: Prohibition of alcohol.

Amendment 19

• Mnemonic: Tilt 1 and 9 for a woman.
• Content: Women's suffrage.

Amendment 20

• Mnemonic: January 20th, President's start date.
• Content: Changes inauguration date.

Amendment 21

• Mnemonic: Legal drinking age.
• Content: Repeals 18th Amendment.

Amendment 22

• Mnemonic: 22 - 2 terms.
• Content: Limits presidential terms to two.

Amendment 23

• Mnemonic: 23 D.C. rhyme.
• Content: Grants D.C. electors.

Amendment 24

• Mnemonic: Cheer "2, 4, 6, 8, hate taxes."
• Content: Abolishes poll tax.

Amendment 25

• Mnemonic: "25 will survive."
• Content: Presidential succession.

Amendment 26

• Mnemonic: 2+6=8, vote at 18.
• Content: Lowers voting age to 18.

Amendment 27

• Mnemonic: 27 pays, next election raise.
• Content: Congressional pay raises take effect after next election.

Conclusion

• Use these mnemonics to easily recall the content of each amendment.
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