The Amendments
The 27 amendments to the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights
Amendment I
Guarantees the freedoms of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition.
Amendment II
Protects the right to keep and bear arms.
Amendment III
Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers in private homes.
Amendment IV
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Amendment V
Guarantees rights to due process, and protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.
Amendment VI
Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy public trial.
Amendment VII
Guarantees the right to a jury trial in certain civil cases.
Amendment VIII
Prohibits excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment IX
Asserts that people have rights not listed in the Constitution.
Amendment X
Reinforces the principle of federalism.
Later Amendments
Amendment XI
Restricts the ability of individuals to sue states in federal court.
Amendment XII
Revises the presidential election procedures.
Amendment XIII
Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude.
Amendment XIV
Defines citizenship and guarantees equal protection under the law.
Amendment XV
Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Amendment XVI
Allows the federal government to collect an income tax.
Amendment XVII
Establishes the direct election of United States Senators by popular vote.
Amendment XVIII
Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
Amendment XIX
Grants women the right to vote.
Amendment XX
Changes the dates for the start of presidential and congressional terms.
Amendment XXI
Repeals the 18th Amendment (Prohibition).
Amendment XXII
Limits the president to two terms in office.
Amendment XXIII
Grants Washington, D.C. electoral votes in presidential elections.
Amendment XXIV
Prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections.
Amendment XXV
Addresses presidential succession and disability.
Amendment XXVI
Lowers the voting age to 18.
Amendment XXVII
Prevents laws affecting Congressional salary from taking effect until after the next election.