Exam 1 - Amendments

Question 1

1st Amendment

Answer 1

States that Congress shall make no law preventing the establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise

Also protected are freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances

Question 2

2nd Amendment

Answer 2

Protects citizen’s right to bear arms

Question 3

3rd Amendment

Answer 3

Prevents the government from placing troops in private homes

This was a real problem during the American Revolutionary War

Question 4

4th Amendment

Answer 4

This amendment prevents the government from unreasonable search and seizure of the property of US citizens. It requires the government to have a warrant that was issued by a judge and based on probable cause.

Question 5

5th Amendment

Answer 5

The Fifth Amendment is famous for people saying “I’ll take the Fifth”. This gives people the right to choose not to testify in court if they feel their own testimony will incriminate themselves

In addition, this amendment protects citizens from being subject to criminal prosecution and punishment without due process.

It also prevents people from being tried for the same crime twice.

The amendment also establishes the power of eminent domain, which means that private property cannot be seized for public use without just compensation

Question 6

6th Amendment

Answer 6

Guarantees a speedy trial by a jury of one’s peers.

Also, people accused are to be informed of the crimes with which they are charged and have the right to confront the witnesses brought by the government.

The amendment also provides the accused the right to compel testimony from witnesses, and to legal representation (meaning the government has to provide a lawyer – aka right to counsel)

Question 7

7th Amendment

Answer 7

Provides that civil cases also be tried by jury

Question 8

8th Amendment

Answer 8

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment

Question 9

9th Amendment

Answer 9

States that the list of rights described in the Constitution is not complete, and that the people still have all the rights that are not listed

Question 10

10th Amendment

Answer 10

Gives all powers not specifically given to the United States government in the Constitution, to either the states or to the people

Question 11

13th Amendment

Answer 11

Abolished slavery

Question 12

14th Amendment

Answer 12

guaranteed equal protection under the law and due process

Question 13

15th Amendment

Answer 13

Guaranteed voting rights for African American men