The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of the federal government and fundamental rights of citizens.
History
Drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, it replaced the Articles of Confederation and introduced a stronger federal structure.
Structure
It consists of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments, with the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights.
1st Amendment (1791):
Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition
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.
2nd Amendment (1791):
Right to Keep and Bear Arms
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.
3rd Amendment (1791):
Conditions for Quartering Soldiers
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.
4th Amendment (1791):
Right of the People to be Secure Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
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.
5th Amendment (1791):
Protection of Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property
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.
6th Amendment (1791):
Rights of Accused Persons in Criminal Cases
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.
7th Amendment (1791):
Right to a Jury Trial in Civil Cases
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.
8th Amendment (1791):
Excessive Bail, Fines, and Punishments Forbidden
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
9th Amendment (1791):
Other Rights Kept by the People
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
10th Amendment (1791):
Undelegated Powers Kept by the States and the People
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.
11th Amendment (1795):
Immunity of States from Certain Lawsuits
The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state.
12th Amendment (1804):
Election of President and Vice President
The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for President and Vice President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice President.
13th Amendment (1865):
Abolition of Slavery
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
14th Amendment (1868):
Rights of Citizens
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
15th Amendment (1870):
Right of Citizens to Vote Not Denied by Race, Color, or Previous Condition of Servitude
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
16th Amendment (1913):
Power of Congress to Levy Income Tax
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
17th Amendment (1913):
Popular Election of Senators
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof; for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote.
18th Amendment (1919):
Prohibition of Liquor
After one year from the ratification of this article, the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof is hereby prohibited.
19th Amendment (1920):
Women’s Right to Vote
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
20th Amendment (1933):
Commencement of Terms; Sessions of Congress; Death or Disqualification of President-Elect
The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3rd day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3rd day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.
21st Amendment (1933):
Repeal of Prohibition
The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
22nd Amendment (1951):
Presidential Term Limits
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.
23rd Amendment (1961):
Electoral Votes for the District of Columbia
The District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct: a number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the States, but they shall not be entitled to elect any Member of Congress, or to vote for the President and Vice President of the United States.
24th Amendment (1964):
Abolition of Poll Taxes
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
25th Amendment (1967):
Presidential Disability and Succession
In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President; and the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, or resignation of either the President or Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected; and such Officer shall act accordingly until the disability be removed or a President shall be elected.
26th Amendment (1971):
Right to Vote at Age 18
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
27th Amendment (1992):
Limitation on Congressional Pay Increases
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
Summary of the Amendments’ Meaning
The U.S. Constitutional Amendments have shaped the nation, expanding rights and refining governance:
- Individual Rights: The first ten amendments (Bill of Rights) focus on protecting personal freedoms, such as speech, assembly, and protection from government overreach (e.g., the right to bear arms, protection against self-incrimination, and unreasonable searches).
- Civil Rights: Later amendments abolished slavery, extended voting rights to women, people of color, and those 18 or older, and prohibited poll taxes.
- Government Functioning: Amendments like the 12th (electoral procedures) and 22nd (presidential term limits) refine how the government operates, such as regulating presidential succession and limiting terms.
- Prohibition and Repeal: The 18th Amendment instituted prohibition, which was later repealed by the 21st, showing adaptability to shifting social norms.
- Expansion of Voting Power: Several amendments (15th, 19th, 24th, 26th) expanded voting rights, emphasizing that all citizens, regardless of race, sex, or age, should have a say in elections.
Overall, the amendments demonstrate an evolving understanding of justice and equity, balancing the protection of freedoms with the efficient operation of the government.
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