1. First amendment protects freedom of religion, speech and of the press.
2. Freedom of speech is not unlimited (Slander and libel not permitted)

1. Slander is false speech intended to damage a person’s reputation
2. Libel applies to written or published statements

Second Amendment: Right to bear arms

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Third amendment prohibits gov’t forcing people to provide shelter for soldiers in their homes (another British practice)

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1. Probable cause: reasonable basis to believe a person or premises are linked to a crime
2. Search warrant: Orders signed by a judge describing the place to be searched
3. Arrest warrant: Naming the person to be arrested for a specific crime

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Fifth amendment: Four important protections

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The burden of conviction is on the government; people cannot be forced to convict themselves

Due process: Gov’t must follow constitutional procedures in all actions against individuals

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Eminent domain: power of the gov’t to take private property for public use

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Sixth amendment gives accused person important rights

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Seventh Amendment: Right to a jury trial in federal court to settle all disputes about property worth more than 20 dollars

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Eighth amendment prohibits excessive bail - money or property that the accused deposits with the court to gain release from jail until the trial

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1. Ninth amendment says all rights not spelled out in the Constitution are “retained by the people”
2. Protects all basic or natural rights not specifically noted in the Constitution

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1. Tenth amendment clarifies that if some power was not specifically delegated or if it was not actually forbidden to be held by the states, then that power belongs to the states and the people
2. 11th prevents a state from being sued in federal court by citizens of another state or nation
3. 12th amendment said electoral college would use separate ballots when voting for president and vice president

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1. 16th: Congress power to levy income taxes
2. 17th: Direct election of Senators by the people
3. 18th: Prohibited sale of alcohol
4. 19th: Women right to vote

1. 20th: Sets dates for when president / vice president are inaugurated
2. 21st: Repeals 18th (Just kidding about banning alcohol)
3. 22nd: Limits president to two terms
4. 23rd: Gives Washington D.C. three presidential electors

25th: Establishes process for the vice president to take over office if president is disabled (president or vice president informs Congress president cannot handle duties)

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24th: Prohibits poll taxes: taxes paid in order to vote

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26th: Lowers voting age in federal and state elections

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