Amendments

Question 1

First Amendment

Answer 1

freedom of religion (government cannot establish a religion; one can practice whichever religion or no religion)
freedom of speech & press (people can express views **within limits)
freedom to assemble peacefully, petition government (establish political parties; we must get permit for demonstrations)

Question 2

Second Amendment

Answer 2

protects peoples’ rights to bear arms

Question 3

Third Amendment

Answer 3

liberates people from having to quarter troops

Question 4

Fourth Amendment

Answer 4

protects people against “unreasonable” searches, seizures (arrests) warrants will only be issued when there is “probable cause” (Supreme Court decided-any evidence obtained illegally is excluded from trial- exclusionary rule

Question 5

Fifth Amendment

Answer 5

states that one can only be charged with a crime after a Grand Jury issues an indictment (Grand juries are the ones who decide if there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime)
states that one cannot be tried twice for same crime
provides protection against self incrimination (we do not have to testify when charged/at trial)
provides due process of law (must be found guilty to lose life, liberty, property)
states we will be compensated when govt takes property for greater good (eminent domain)

Question 6

Sixth Amendment

Answer 6

right to be informed of charges, right to an attorney

right to fair (impartial jury) and speedy trial in which defendant may bring and cross examine witnesses

Question 7

Seventh Amendment

Answer 7

applies to civil cases heard in federal courts
guarantees the right to a trial by jury in civil cases
both parties may agree to bench trial (by judge, no jury)

Question 8

Eighth Amendment

Answer 8

protects us from excessive bail & cruel & unusual punishment

Question 9

Ninth Amendment

Answer 9

states that we have more rights than those mentioned in the US Constitution (ex: right to privacy)

Question 10

Tenth Amendment

Answer 10

states that powers not delegated to the national (US) government nor denied to the States are reserved for the States or guaranteed to the people.

Question 11

13th Amendment

Answer 11

abolition of slavery

1865

Question 12

14th Amendment

Answer 12

citizenship
equal protection
due process
(1868)

Question 13

15th Amendment

Answer 13

no denial of vote because of race, color, or previous enslavement
(1870)

Question 14

16th Amendment

Answer 14

Congress given the power to tax incomes

1913

Question 15

17th Amendment

Answer 15

popular election of US presidents

1913

Question 16

19th Amendment

Answer 16

Women’s Suffrage

1920

Question 17

22nd Amendment

Answer 17

limit on presidential terms

1951

Question 18

24th Amendment

Answer 18

Ban of tax payment as voter qualification

1964

Question 19

25th Amendment

Answer 19

presidential succession, vice presidential vacancy, and presidential disability
(1967)

Question 20

26th Amendment

Answer 20

voting age changed to 18

1971