Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

The Bill of Rights

Dec 15, 1791

The Bill of Rights is added to the Constitution. The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U. S. Constitution. It's main purpose is to protect citizens civil iberties or personal freedoms.

Amendment 11

Feb 17, 1795

Amendment 11 limits the jurisdiction of the federal courts.

Amendment 12

Jun 15, 1804

Amendment 12 states that the President and Vice President shall be elected on separate ballots in teh Electoral College. This will ensure that the Presidnet and Vice President are from the same political party.

Amendment 13

Dec 6, 1865

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.

Amendment 14

Jul 9, 1868

Amendment 14 guarantees every citizen of the United States equal protection under the law. The 14th Amendment was very important during the Civil Rights movement.

Amendment 15

Feb 26, 1869

Amendment 15 states that the right to vote cannot be denied on the basis of race, color or previous condition of servitude.

Amendment 16

Feb 3, 1913

Amendment 16 allows the federal government to collect an income tax.

Amendment 17

Apr 8, 1913

Amendment 17 allows for the direct election of Senators by the people.

Amendment 18

Jan 16, 1919

Amendment 18 made the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol illegal in the United States. It began the period known as Prohibition.

Amendment 19

Aug 18, 1920

Amendment 19 gives women the right to vote.

Amendment 20

Jan 23, 1933

Amendment 20 moved the inaguration of the President from March to January so there would be less "lame duck" time in the U.S.

Amendment 21

Dec 5, 1933

Amendment 21 repealed the 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition in the United States.

Amendment 22

Feb 27, 1951

Amendment 22 limited the President to two elected terms.

Amendment 23

Mar 29, 1961

Amendment 23 gave three elctorla votes to the District of Columbia (Washington, DC).

Amendment 24

Jan 23, 1964

Amendment 24 abolished poll taxes in the United States.

Amendment 25

Feb 10, 1967

Amendment 25 allows for the Vice President to take control of the Pesidency if the President is unable to fufill the duties of the office.

Amendment 26

Jul 1, 1971

Amendment 26 lowered the voting age to 18.

Amendment 27

May 7, 1992

Amendment 27 makes pay raises for members of Congress go into effect after the next elecion.