Amendments to the
Constitution
GLE’s Addressed
C.2.2 Describe the structure and functions of the federal
government as listed in the United States Constitution.
C.2.6 Differentiate between loose and strict constructionist
interpretations of the Constitution by examining the meaning and
implications of the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments.
Amendment I – Bill of Rights
1791
• Protects freedom of religion, freedom of
speech, freedom of the press as well as the
right to petition and the right to assembly.
Amendment II – Bill of Rights
1791
• Protects the right to bear arms.
Amendment III – Bill of Rights
1791
• Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers.
Amendment IV – Bill of Rights
1791
• Prohibits unreasonable search and seizure
and establishes exclusionary rule.
Amendment V – Bill of Rights
1791
• Sets rules for indictment and eminent
domain, protects the right to due process,
and prohibits self-incrimination and double
jeopardy.
Amendment VI – Bill of Rights
1791
• Protects the right to counsel (attorney) and a
speedy and public trial.
Amendment VII – Bill of Rights
1791
• Protects the right to trial by jury in civil
cases.
Amendment VIII – Bill of Rights
1791
• Prohibits excessive fines and bail, as well as
cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment IX – Bill of Rights
1791
• Protects rights not enumerated in the
constitution.
Amendment X – Bill of Rights
1791
• The powers not delegated to the United States
are reserved to the states.
Amendment XI
1795
• Limits suits against states by residents of
foreign states or other nations.
Amendment XII
1804
• Reformed the electoral college.
Amendment XIII – Civil War
1865
• Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
Amendment XIV – Civil War
1868
• Defines citizenship, provides for due process
and equal protection under the law.
Amendment XV – Civil War
1870
• Suffrage cannot be denied on account of
race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Amendment XVI
1913
• Allows the collection of income tax.
Amendment XVII
1913
• Establishes the direct election of United
States Senators.
Amendment XVIII
1919
• Establishes the prohibition of alcohol.
Amendment XIX
1920
• Suffrage cannot be denied on account of sex.
Amendment XX
1933
• The “lame duck” amendment. Restructures
commencement dates of Congress (January
3) and the presidency (January 20).
Amendment XXI
1933
• Repeals 18th Amendment.
Amendment XXII
1951
• Limits the president to two terms of office.
Amendment XXIII
1961
• Provides for the representation of
Washington D.C. in the electoral college.
Amendment XXIV
1964
• Prohibits penalties of non-payment of poll
taxes.
Amendment XXV
1967
• Defines presidential succession.
Amendment XXVI
1971
• Establishes the right to vote for citizens aged
18 and over.
Amendment XXVII
1992
• No laws affecting Congressional salary can
take effect until the beginning of the next
session.