Articles & Amendments
The Purpose of Government Described in the Preamble
The 7 Articles with Description
The 27 Amendments with Example/Explanation
1- Freedom of speech and religion
Ex: You can choose to be Christian and say/express what you feel
2- Right to bare arms
Ex: If weapon is legal, you can have one for protection or safety
3- Harboring troops
Ex: You do not have to house troops if they knock on your door
4- Seizures and property
Ex: The government cannot take your property unless they have a reason to do so
5- Double jeopardy, self incrimination- life, liberty property
Ex: Cannot be charged with the same crime twice, the police have to tell you what crime you are violating before they charge you with that crime
6- Speedy and public trial
Ex: The courts cannot drag a trial out for no reason
7- Jury trial
Ex: Many people vote on whether or not you are guilty, instead of just one person making the decision
8- No cruel and unusual punishment
Ex: Cannot cut someone’s head off
9- Natural rights
Ex: Everyone has natural rights that nobody can take
10- Powers not given to the states- given to the people
Ex: Everyone is to be treated equal
11- Government cant be sued without government permission
Ex: If you wanted to sue the government then you would have to ask the government first
12- The presidential elections separated
Ex: The vice president and president elections cannot be running at the same time
13- No slavery
Ex: Nobody is allowed to have or be a slave
14- States cant take natural rights
Ex: Everyone has natural rights that nobody can take
15- Right to vote
Ex: Everyone over the age of 18, has the right to vote
16- Taxes
Ex: Everyone is to pay taxes
17- People elect senators
Ex: The people of the U.S. vote on who they want to be senators
18- Prohibition (no alcohol)
Ex: Alcohol is not allowed
19- Women’s right to vote
Ex: Doesn’t matter what race, women have the right to vote
20- Election and inauguration time closer
Ex: So the president doesn’t get lazy in between that extra time
21- Prohibition appealed (alcohol allowed)
Ex: If 21 or older, you can drink alcohol
22- Presidents have a 2 term limit
Ex: No president can serve more than 10 years
23- District of Colombia right to vote
Ex: EVERYONE has a right to vote, it doesn't matter what district/state they live in
24- Poll taxes (no taxes in voting)
Ex: When you go to vote for the election, they cannot tax you for voting
25- Presidential succession
Ex: The line of succession when the president dies
26- Voting at 18
Ex: Anyone of age to vote; can
27- Congress cant increase pay until next term
Ex: Congress can’t raise their own pay
Ex: You can choose to be Christian and say/express what you feel
2- Right to bare arms
Ex: If weapon is legal, you can have one for protection or safety
3- Harboring troops
Ex: You do not have to house troops if they knock on your door
4- Seizures and property
Ex: The government cannot take your property unless they have a reason to do so
5- Double jeopardy, self incrimination- life, liberty property
Ex: Cannot be charged with the same crime twice, the police have to tell you what crime you are violating before they charge you with that crime
6- Speedy and public trial
Ex: The courts cannot drag a trial out for no reason
7- Jury trial
Ex: Many people vote on whether or not you are guilty, instead of just one person making the decision
8- No cruel and unusual punishment
Ex: Cannot cut someone’s head off
9- Natural rights
Ex: Everyone has natural rights that nobody can take
10- Powers not given to the states- given to the people
Ex: Everyone is to be treated equal
11- Government cant be sued without government permission
Ex: If you wanted to sue the government then you would have to ask the government first
12- The presidential elections separated
Ex: The vice president and president elections cannot be running at the same time
13- No slavery
Ex: Nobody is allowed to have or be a slave
14- States cant take natural rights
Ex: Everyone has natural rights that nobody can take
15- Right to vote
Ex: Everyone over the age of 18, has the right to vote
16- Taxes
Ex: Everyone is to pay taxes
17- People elect senators
Ex: The people of the U.S. vote on who they want to be senators
18- Prohibition (no alcohol)
Ex: Alcohol is not allowed
19- Women’s right to vote
Ex: Doesn’t matter what race, women have the right to vote
20- Election and inauguration time closer
Ex: So the president doesn’t get lazy in between that extra time
21- Prohibition appealed (alcohol allowed)
Ex: If 21 or older, you can drink alcohol
22- Presidents have a 2 term limit
Ex: No president can serve more than 10 years
23- District of Colombia right to vote
Ex: EVERYONE has a right to vote, it doesn't matter what district/state they live in
24- Poll taxes (no taxes in voting)
Ex: When you go to vote for the election, they cannot tax you for voting
25- Presidential succession
Ex: The line of succession when the president dies
26- Voting at 18
Ex: Anyone of age to vote; can
27- Congress cant increase pay until next term
Ex: Congress can’t raise their own pay
The Amendment Process-
How an Amendment is Proposed
To propose the amendment you have to have 2/3 vote from the house of congress or 2/3 of the states request to have a constitutional convention; although that has never been used, it’s still an option.
How an Amendment is Ratified
The only method for ratifying (approve) an amendment you have to have ¾ of states choose to ratify amendment or congress can set time limit on amendment ratification (max is 7 years.)