The US Constitution has 27 amendments that protect the rights of Americans
The First Amendment famously protects freedom of speech.The Second Amendment deals with the right to bear arms.The Third Amendment prohibits forcing citizens to provide lodging for soldiersThe Fourth Amendment deals with search and seizureThe Fifth Amendment is the source of the common phrase, "I plead the Fifth."The Sixth Amendment includes the right to a speedy trial.The Seventh Amendment deals with jury trials for civil cases involving property worth more than $20.The Eighth Amendment prevents the government from imposing cruel and unusual punishment on criminal defendantsThe Ninth Amendment establishes that people have additional rights, even if they are not included in the US ConstitutionThe 10th Amendment helps keep the federal government limitedThe 11th Amendment is the only amendment related to the judicial branch of the governmentThe 12th Amendment changed the presidential election process.The 13th Amendment freed all slaves and indentured servants throughout the United States.The 14th Amendment defines what it means to be a citizen of the United States and also protects civil rights.The 15th Amendment deals with the right to vote in the US.The 16th Amendment deals with taxes.The 17th Amendment lays out how US senators are electedThe 18th Amendment made the production, transport, and sale of alcohol illegal.The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.The 20th Amendment determined the beginning and end date of presidential terms and Congressional sessionsThe 21st Amendment repealed ProhibitionThe 22nd Amendment limits presidential terms to twoThe 23rd Amendment allows Washington, DC, citizens the right to choose electors in presidential elections.The 24th Amendment abolished poll taxes, which had previously been required to vote in electionsThe 25th Amendment sets the order of succession for the president and lays out what to do in the case of presidential incapacity.The 26th Amendment allowed 18-year-old US citizens to vote. Before the 26th Amendment was ratified, Americans voted at age 21.The 27th Amendment made it so pay raises or decreases for members of Congress can only take effect after the next election
