US Amendments Flashcards
1st Amendment
(December 15, 1791)
Formation of the Bill of Rights: protects freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
2nd amendment
(December 15, 1791)
The right of people to bear arms, a well-regulated militia to keep security, etc.
3rd amendment
(December 15, 1791)
Forbids the forcible housing of military personnel in a citizen’s home during peacetime and requires the process to be “prescribed by law” in times of war.
4th Amendment
(December 15, 1791)
Protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government
5th Amendment
(December 15, 1791)
Provides protection to individuals from being compelled to incriminate themselves.
6th Amendment
(December 15, 1791)
Grants citizens the right to a jury composed of impartial members drawn from the local community; The right to a speedy and public trial.
7th Amendment
(December 15, 1791)
Codifies the right to a jury trial in certain civil cases and inhibits courts from overturning a jury’s findings of fact.
8th Amendment
(December 15, 1791)
Prohibits governmental imposement of unduly harsh penalties on criminal defendants.
9th Amendment
(December 15, 1791)
The rights of citizens will be protected whether or not they are listed (enumerated) in the Constitution. Also leaves unlisted rights up for interpretation.
10th Amendment
(December 15, 1791)
The Federal Government only has those powers delegated in the Constitution.
If it isn’t listed, it belongs to the states or to the people.
11th Amendment
(February 7, 1795.)
Renders the states immune from lawsuits from out-of-state citizens and foreign individuals.
12th Amendment
(June 15th, 1804)
New electoral process. Stipulates that each elector must cast distinct votes for president and vice president, instead of two votes for president. (Used ever since the 1804 presidential election).
13th Amendment
(January 31st, 1865)
Abolished slavery and indentured servitude within the United States, unless as punishment for a crime.
14th Amendment
(July 9th, 1868)
All persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens. No state shall deprive a person of their property, rights, or liberty without due process of the law.
15th Amendment
(February 3, 1870)
The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied by any federal/state government body based on their race, color, or previous work in servitude.
16th Amendment
(February 3, 1913)
Grants Congress the authority of issuing an income tax without the census of the population. (2% on corporations).
17th Amendment
(ratified April 8, 1913)
Senate Structure: 2 senators from each state, elected by the people thereof (for a 6 year term), and each senator is given one vote.
18th Amendment
(January 16th, 1919)
Prohibition Declared the production, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquor illegal (followed by Volstead Act). Did not illegalize the consumption of alcohol.
19th Amendment
(Passed June 4, 1919; Ratified August 18, 1920)
Women’s Suffrage: The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied by the US or any state on account of gender/sex.
20th Amendment
(January 23, 1933)
By Senator George Norris
Changed the original calendar dates for the President/VP’s terms from March 4th to January 20th.
21st Amendment
(December 5, 1933)
Repealed the 18th Amendment (Prohibition).
22nd Amendment
(February 27, 1951)
Prohibits anyone who has been elected president twice from running for office/being elected again.
23rd Amendment
(March 29, 1961)
Gives electors to the District of Columbia (DC) so it may participate in National elections.
24th Amendment
(January 23, 1964)
Abolishes the federal and state governments from imposing taxes on voters during federal elections.
25th Amendment
(February 10, 1967)
Set forth succession rules relating to Presidential/VP vacancies and disabilities in the office. The VP shall become President if the President is unable to act.
26th Amendment
(July 1, 1971)
Lowered US citizen voting age from 21 to 18 years old.
