The amendments refer to the changes or additions made to the United States Constitution. There are 27 amendments in total, starting with the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first 10 amendments ratified on December 15, 1791
Summary of Key Amendments
- 1st Amendment: Protects freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition
- 2nd Amendment: Protects the right to keep and bear arms
- 3rd Amendment: Prohibits quartering soldiers in private homes during peacetime without consent
- 4th Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant based on probable cause
- 5th Amendment: Provides protections against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process and rules for indictment
- 6th Amendment: Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to counsel, and to confront witnesses
- 7th Amendment: Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases
- 8th Amendment: Prohibits excessive bail and fines, and cruel and unusual punishment
- 9th Amendment: States that rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution are retained by the people
- 10th Amendment: Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people
Other significant amendments include:
- 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery
- 14th Amendment: Defines citizenship and guarantees equal protection under the law
- 15th Amendment: Prohibits voting denial based on race or previous servitude
- 19th Amendment: Grants women the right to vote
- 22nd Amendment: Limits presidential terms to two
- 26th Amendment: Lowers the voting age to 18
Amendment Process
Amendments are proposed either by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. To be ratified, three-fourths of the states must approve the amendment, either through state legislatures or ratifying conventions
. In summary, the amendments are formal changes to the U.S. Constitution that protect individual rights, define government powers, and address evolving societal needs
