The Constitution
The United States Constitution is the most important document in the history of the World. It changed the course of history and has never been and never will be successfully duplicated ever again. People of all ages should learn about America’s past. The old, the young, and students of all ages should know about the foundation of our great republic. We have inserted links and posts to hopefully help anyone who has questions about document and any of its amendments.
The Constitution Links & Posts
United States Bill of Rights
The 27 Amendments
1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, petition and assembly
2nd Amendment: The Right to Bear Arms
3rd Amendment: No quartering of soldiers
4th Amendment: Protection against illegal search and seizure
5th Amendment: Protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy. Protection of due process and right to a grand jury.
6th Amendment: The Right to speedy and public trial, impartial jury and right to counsel.
7th Amendment: Right to a trial by jury in common-law cases.
8th Amendment: Protection against cruel and unusual punishment. No excessive bail imposed.
9th Amendment: The enumeration of rights in the Constitution won’t be used against the people.
10th Amendment: Reserved powers to the states.
11th Amendment: States are protected from being sued by citizens of another state.
12th Amendment: Separated balloting procedures for President and Vice presidentÂ
13th Amendment: Abolition of slavery.
14th Amendment: Granted former slaves citizenship and equal protection, established principle of selective incorporation.
15th Amendment: African-American men could vote.
16th Amendment: Established federal income tax.
17th Amendment: Direct election of U.S. Senators.
18th Amendment: Prohibition.
19th Amendment: Women have the right to vote.
20th Amendment: President and vice-president’s term of office begins on January 20th, and no longer in March.
21st Amendment: Repeal of Prohibition
22nd Amendment: Presidents are limited to two terms.
23rd Amendment: D.C. given presidential electors.
24th Amendment: Poll tax is illegal.
25th Amendment: Established Vice President as successor if President is unable to serve. President can nominate a Vice President if there is a Vice President vacancy.
26th Amendment: 18-year-olds have the right to vote.
27th Amendment: Congressional pay raises will only take effect after the next election.