Constitutional Amendments
Reconstruction Amendments
13th, 14th & 15th Amendments abolished slavery, assured citizenship, and gave people of color the right to vote
Name for the 1st 10 Amendments
Bill of Rights
4 Sections of the Declaration of Independence
Preamble, Declaration of Rights, Bill of Indictment, & Statement of Independence
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Rights Section states that "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
1791
When the Bill of Rights - the first 10 Amendments - were passed
I plead the 5th!
The 5th Amendment creates rights for criminal proceedings, including guaranteeing the right to a grand jury, forbiding “double jeopardy,” and protecting against self-incrimination.
3 main ideas of the Declaration of Independence
"...guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition."
The First Amendment to the Constitution (the first of the Bill of Rights)
Who Comes Next?
25th Amendment creates a plan for succession of the President. If s/he is unable to serve, the Vice President shall become President.
2nd Amendment
Right to Bear Arms
Main author
Thomas Jefferson
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union..."
Preamble to the Constitution
22nd Amendment
Limits the President to 2 terms in office
Freedom of Speech
But I signed first!
John Hancock
"The Executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America."
Article II of the Constitution
Women's Suffrage
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote
States Rights
The 10th Amendment states that 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.
Fireworks on July 2nd or 4th?
On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner.
The 3rd Amendment to the Constitution (one of the Bill of Rights) prevents the government from forcing private citizens to house soldiers in their home. This is the least litigated Amendment and the Supreme Court has never decided a case on it.