Amendments Flashcards
1st Amendment
Freedom of Religion, Speech, of the Press, Assembly, and Petition
2nd Amendment
Protects the people’s right to bear arms
3rd Amendment
No soldier can be quartered in a home without the permission of the owner
4th Amendment
Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and sets out requirements for search warrants based on probable cause
5th Amendment
Protects rights of due process and the right to remain silent (“plead the 5th”), double jeopardy
6th Amendment
The right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of one’s peers; to have witnesses and to give a defense
7th Amendment
The right to a trial by jury in civil cases for amounts of $20 or more
8th Amendment
Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments
9th Amendment
People have other rights not specifically stated in the Constitution
10th Amendment
Gives all powers not specifically given to the United States government in the Constitution, to either the states or to the people
11th Amendment
Determines when and if a state can be sued; states cannot be sued by people from other states or by foreigners
12th Amendment
The Electoral College must vote for the President and the Vice President separately
13th Amendment
Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude
14th Amendment
Makes anyone born on US soil a citizen and guarantees equal protection under the law
15th Amendment
Gave all men the right to vote regardless of race or color or whether they had been slaves
16th
Created an income tax and gave the Federal government the power to collect it
17th
Creates the direct election by the people of Senators
18th
Prohibition of the drinking, manufacture, and sale of alcohol
19th
Gave women the right to vote
20th
Gives details on the terms of office for Congress and President; shortens “lame duck” period (time between election and inauguration)
21st
Repealed the 18th amendment (prohibition)
22nd
Limits the president to two terms in office (or 10 years)
23rd
Gave Washington, D.C. representatives in the electoral college so that citizens of D.C. could participate in the electoral process, even though it is not an official state
24th
Prohibited the poll tax
25th
Explains what happens when the President dies or is unable to continue in office (Succession)
26th
Sets the national voting age at 18, cannot be set any higher
27th
Any changes in Congressional salaries will take place after the next term starts
