1. Constitutional explanation Vs. Layman's explanation

2. 1 9 13 21 17 25 56 78 10 243 1211 14 22 18 2324 1516 1920 2726 (Click on number to go to appropriate amendment) (When there - click on amendment number to Hyperlink to a copy of the Constitution)

3. Amendment I Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Protects the people's right to practice religion, to speak freely, to assemble (meet), to address the government and of the press to publish. Court Cases

4. Amendment II Amendment II A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Protects the right to own guns. Court Cases

5. Amendment III Amendment III No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Guarantees that the army cannot force homeowners to give them room and board. Court Cases

6. Amendment IV Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Protects the people from the government improperly taking property, papers, or people, without a valid warrant based on probably cause (good reason). Court Cases

7. Amendment V Amendment V No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation. Protects people from being held for committing a crime unless they are properly indicted, that they may not be tried twice for the same crime, and that you need not be forced to testify against yourself. It also contains due process guarantees. Court Cases

8. Amendment VI Amendment VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. Guarantees a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and that the accused can confront witnesses against them, and that the accused must be allowed to have a lawyer. Court Cases

9. Amendment VII Amendment VII In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Guarantees a jury trial in federal civil court cases. This type of case is normally no longer heard in federal court. Court Cases

10. Amendment VIII Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Guarantees that punishments will be fair, and not cruel, and that extraordinarily large fines will not be set. Court Cases

11. Amendment IX Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Simply a statement that other rights aside from those listed may exist, and just because they are not listed doesn't mean they can be violated. Court Cases

12. Amendment X Amendment X The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Says that any power not granted to the federal government belongs to the states. Court Cases

13. Amendment XI Says how someone from one state can sue another state.

14. Amendment XII Redefines how the President and Vice-President are chosen by the Electoral College.

15. Amendment XIII Abolished slavery in the entire United States.

16. Amendment XIV People had rights on the federal level and on the state level, too. Dealt with civil war items.

17. Amendment XV Ensured that a person’s race could not be used as criteria for voting.

18. Amendment XVI Authorizes the United States to collect income taxes.

19. Amendment XVII Shifted the choosing of Senators from the state legislatures to the people of the states.

20. Amendment XVIII Abolished the sale or manufacture of alcohol in the United States.

21. Amendment XIX Ensures that sex could not be used as a criteria for voting.

22. Amendment XX Set new start dates for the terms of the Congress and the President.

23. Amendment XXI Repealed the 18th Amendment.

24. Amendment XXII Set a limit on the number of times a President could be elected - two four-year terms.

25. Amendment XXIII Grants the Washington D.C. the right to three electors in Presidential elections.

26. Amendment XXIV Ensured that no tax could be charged to vote for any federal office.

27. Amendment XXV Establishes rules for a President who becomes unable to perform his duties while in office.

28. Amendment XXVI Ensures that any person 18 or over may vote.

29. Amendment XXVII Any law that increased the pay of legislators may not take effect until after an election.