This article provides an overview of amendments and a list of constitutional amendments. First, we’ll define amendments and then provide the complete list. If you have any questions, please post a comment below.
What is a Constitutional Amendment?
An amendment is an alteration of or addition to a motion, bill, constitution, etc. The United States Congress has ratified a total of twenty-seven amendments since the United States Constitution was initially signed.
The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The procedure for amending the United States Constitution is governed by Article V of the original text.
List of Constitutional Amendments
Following is a list of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution that received the approval of the United States Congress. The list includes the name, a brief description, and the date it was enacted.
1st Amendment
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on December 15, 1791, is a cornerstone of the Bill of Rights and guarantees fundamental freedoms to American citizens. It begins with the words, “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.” Essentially, the First Amendment protects the rights of individuals to practice their religion, express themselves freely, assemble peacefully, and petition the government, forming a critical foundation for the principles of free speech and the open exchange of ideas in the United States.
2nd Amendment
The Second Amendment, part of the Bill of Rights adopted on December 15, 1791, asserts the right of the people to keep and bear arms. It states, “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.” The Second Amendment has been the subject of extensive legal and societal debates, with interpretations varying on the balance between the collective right of a militia and the individual right to own firearms. Advocates argue that it safeguards personal and collective defense, while critics emphasize the need for reasonable regulations to address public safety concerns. The Second Amendment remains a focal point in discussions about gun rights and gun control in the United States.
3rd Amendment
The Third Amendment is a part of the Bill of Rights ratified on December 15, 1791. It safeguards the privacy and security of individuals by prohibiting the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner’s consent, except during times of war as prescribed by law. Stemming from colonial grievances where British soldiers were forcibly housed in private residences, it underscores the principle that individuals have a right to be free from the involuntary quartering of military personnel in their homes during peacetime. While it is one of the less litigated amendments, it protects the sanctity of private property and the individual’s right to be free from unwarranted government intrusion into their homes.
4th Amendment
Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and sets out requirements for search warrants based on probable cause.
Enacted on December 15, 1791
5th Amendment
Sets out rules for indictment by a grand jury and eminent domain. In addition, it protects the right to due process and prohibits self-incrimination and double jeopardy.
Enacted on 12/15/1791
6th Amendment
Protects the right to a fair and speedy public trial by jury, including the right to be notified of the accusations, to confront the accuser, to obtain witnesses, and to retain counsel.
Enacted on December 15, 1791
7th Amendment
The Seventh Amendment provides for the right to a trial by jury in certain civil cases, according to common law. It was enacted on December 15, 1791.
8th Amendment
Prohibits excessive fines, bail, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Enacted on December 15, 1791
9th Amendment
Asserts the existence of unremunerated rights retained by the people.
Enacted on 12/15/1791
10th Amendment
Limits the federal government’s powers to those delegated by the Constitution. It was enacted on December 15, 1791.
11th Amendment
Provides immunity to states from suits from out-of-state citizens and foreigners not living within the state borders. In addition, it lays the foundation for sovereign immunity. Enacted on February 7, 1795.
12th Amendment
This one revises presidential election procedures.
Enacted on June 15, 1804
13th Amendment
Congress passed the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime. It was enacted on December 6, 1865
14th Amendment
Defines citizenship and deals with post–Civil War issues. It was enacted on July 9, 1868.
15th Amendment
Prohibits the denial of suffrage based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It was enacted on February 3, 1870
16th Amendment
It allows the federal government to collect income tax.
Enacted on February 3, 1913
17th Amendment
It requires United States senators to be directly elected.
Enacted on April 8, 1913
18th Amendment
Establishes the Prohibition of alcohol (eventually repealed by the Twenty-first Amendment – see below).
Enacted on January 16, 1919
19th Amendment
Establishes women’s suffrage.
Enacted on August 18, 1920
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20th Amendment
Fixes the dates of term commencements for Congress (January 3) and the President (January 20), known as the “lame duck amendment.”
Enacted on January 23, 1933
21st Amendment
This one repeals the Eighteenth Amendment, which established the prohibition of alcohol.
Enacted on December 5, 1933
22nd Amendment
Limits the United States President to two terms of service, or a maximum of 10 years. Two terms are usually eight years. However, if a Vice President serves not more than one-half of a President’s term, he/she can be elected to a further two terms.
Enacted on February 27, 1951
23rd Amendment
This one provides for the representation of Washington, D.C., in the Electoral College.
Enacted on March 29, 1961
24th Amendment
The 24th prohibits the revocation of voting rights due to the non-payment of poll taxes. Enacted on January 23, 1964
25th Amendment
The 25th defines the process of presidential succession. It allows the Vice President to become the President if the President dies. In addition, the VP becomes President if the President resigns, is removed from office, or is impaired and unable to perform the duties of the President. It was enacted on February 10, 1967.
26th Amendment
This amendment established 18 as the national voting age. Congress enacted it on July 1, 1971.
27th Amendment
Finally, the 27th prevents laws affecting Congressional salary from taking effect until the beginning of the next session of Congress. Enacted on May 7, 1992.
Proposed Changes
Congress introduced many other proposals for amendments to the United States Constitution, but only those listed above became law.
More Information
For more detailed information, please visit Wikipedia.
If you have any questions about the list of constitutional amendments, please post a comment below. Also, view other Lists of Lists.
