The U.S. Constitution

Protects five fundamental freedoms: religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government.

The Founders considered these freedoms essential to preventing tyranny.

Protects the right of individuals to own firearms.

The colonists had just won independence partly through armed citizen militias.

The government cannot force citizens to house soldiers in their homes during peacetime.

Before the Revolution, the British Quartering Acts forced colonists to house British troops.

Protects against unreasonable searches by the government. Police generally need a warrant.

British officials used "writs of assistance" to search colonists' homes without specific cause.

Provides grand jury indictment, no double jeopardy, right against self-incrimination, due process, and just compensation.

These protections address abuses common under British rule.

Guarantees the right to a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury, to be informed of charges, confront witnesses, and have a lawyer.

British colonial courts often denied these rights.

Guarantees jury trials in federal civil cases.

The $20 threshold was significant in 1791 but is not adjusted for inflation.

Prohibits excessively high bail, unreasonable fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

British courts often imposed brutal punishments.

Just because a right is not listed does not mean it doesn't exist.

Some Founders feared listing rights would imply those were the only rights.

Any power not given to the federal government belongs to the states or the people.

This amendment reassured states about the limited nature of federal power.

States cannot be sued in federal court by citizens of another state without consent.

Passed after Chisholm v. Georgia (1793).

Changed the Electoral College so president and vice president are voted for on separate ballots.

The 1800 election resulted in a tie between Jefferson and Burr.

Abolished slavery throughout the United States.

Ratified after the Civil War to permanently end slavery.

Defines citizenship (birthright citizenship), requires states to provide due process and equal protection.

Overruled the Dred Scott decision and extended protections to formerly enslaved people.

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race.

Despite this amendment, systemic voter suppression continued until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Gives Congress the power to levy a federal income tax.

The Supreme Court had struck down a previous income tax as unconstitutional.

Changed senator selection from state legislatures to direct election by the people.

State legislature selection had led to corruption and deadlocks.

Banned alcoholic beverages. The only amendment later repealed (by the 21st).

The temperance movement had campaigned against alcohol for decades.

Guarantees women the right to vote.

Women fought for over 70 years for suffrage.

Moved Inauguration Day from March 4 to January 20.

The long gap had created problems, especially during the Great Depression.

Repealed Prohibition. The only amendment that repeals a previous amendment.

Prohibition had proven unenforceable and empowered organized crime.

Limits the president to two terms (8 years maximum).

FDR broke the two-term tradition by winning four elections.

Gave Washington, D.C. three electoral votes.

D.C. residents had been unable to vote for president despite paying federal taxes.

Banned poll taxes in federal elections.

Part of the civil rights era reforms.

Clarifies presidential succession and provides for temporary transfer of power.

Prompted by the assassination of JFK.

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Driven by the Vietnam War — "old enough to fight, old enough to vote."

Congress cannot give itself an immediate pay raise.

Originally proposed in 1789 but not ratified until 1992 — a 203-year journey.