Amendments to Constitution, 1-22 (mod AP 2020)

20th Amendment (1933)

"Lame Duck Amendment" moved inauguration of new president back from April to Jan. Adopted during Great Depression as Americans became concerned that a new president should take office as soon as possible after an election to deal with major problems in the nation.

Bill of Rights (1789-1791)

1. Amendments 1-10 are collectively referred to as the Bill of Rights and are considered critical to protecting rights of Americans. 2. Critics of the Constitution felt the document was not clear enough in protecting individual rights and liberties, so they proposed these amendments to expand rights and limits the power of the government. 3. Part of the Federalists vs. Antifederalists debate over the Constitution

13th Amendment (1865)

Abolished slavery

Civil War Amendments (Reconstruction Amendments)

Amendments 13, 14, and 15 were passed to protect the rights of African Americans during and after the Civil War

Progressive Era Amendments

Between 1900 and 1920, Americans lobbied for reforms that would improve government and alleviate problems in society. Four amendments were adopted that reflected the concerns of Americans: 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th.

14th Amendment (1868)

Defined who was a citizen of the U.S. and stated that no state could deny a citizen his rights of life, liberty, or due process of law, or equal protection under the law. Protected the civil rights of citizens. This amendment gave the federal government more power over the states.

17th Amendment (1913)

Direct election of U.S. Senators gave more political power to the voters and less power to big business and political machines. (Before 1913 Senators were selected by state legislatures.)

16th Amendment (1913)

Gave Federal government the power to collect income taxes. The Fed government grew in size and power after this amendment was ratified.

19th Amendment (1920)

Gave women the right to vote (women's suffrage) Expanded democracy in the U.S.

2nd Amendment (1791)

Gives citizens the right to bear arms. This was added to the Constitution at a time when the colonists had just won their freedom from England and many were living in or near wilderness areas.

22nd Amendment (1951)

Limited presidents to 2 terms. Before Franklin Roosevelt, no president had served more than two terms based on tradition, but FDR was elected 4 times. The amendment protects the nation from a president who gains too much power.

8th Amendment (1791)

No cruel and unusual punishments (torture)

The Constitution as a "Living Document"

Our Constitution has been changed, or amended, 27 times in two hundred years to meet the needs of the changes the nation has undergone. A "living" Constitution is one that can be amended or reinterpreted through Supreme Court rulings.

11th Amendment (1795)

Places limits on lawsuits against states

10th Amendment (1791)

Powers not delegated to the national government or denied to the states are reserved to the states.(Basis of many states' rights arguments)

9th Amendment (1791)

Powers reserved to the people-- protects rights not listed in the Bill of Rights. (The framers of the Bill of rights realized they could not list all the rights of citizens so they included this amendment.)

18th Amendment (1919)

Prohibition begins--outlaws the production and sale of alcohol. This is the only amendment to be repealed.

3rd Amendment (1791)

Prohibits the government from quartering troops in private homes and property. This was a major grievance before the American Revolution.

4th Amendment (1791)

Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Authorities must have a search warrant or probable cause for a search. Protects the right to privacy.

1st Amendment (1791)

Protects freedom of religion, speech, and the press, as well as the right to assemble and petition the government. These freedoms guaranteed the people would have a voice and be able to express their concerns about government freely.

15th Amendment (1870)

Protects the right to vote regardless of race color, or previous condition of servitude. This amendment was passed as southern states were trying to keep blacks from voting through the use of the literacy tests and other restrictions on black voting after the Civil War.

5th Amendment (1791)

Protects the rights of Americans accused of a crime. You may not be tried twice for the same crime. You may not be forced to testify against yourself. Eminent Domain--your property may not be taken for public use without just compensation.

21st Amendment (1933)

Repealed prohibition. (Passed after prohibition led to rise in organized crime. During the Great Depression the government needed the tax income from alcohol)

6th Amendment (1791)

Right to a fair, speedy trial. Protects Americans from being held indefinitely without a trial.

7th Amendment (1791)

Right to a trial by jury.

12th Amendment (1804)

The electoral college must have two separate elections for president and vice president. (This amendment was to prevent the election of a president and vice president from two opposing political parties.)