The Constitution

Beginning with the iconic phrase, “We the People,” the U.S. Constitution is composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments to the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights—the first 10 amendments.

Articles

Preamble

We the People

Article I

Legislative Branch

Article II

Executive Branch

Article III

Judicial Branch

Article IV

States, Citizenship, New States

Article V

Amendment Process

Article VI

Debts, Supremacy, Oaths, Religious Tests

Article VII

Ratification

Amendments

First Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition

Second Amendment

Right to Bear Arms

Third Amendment

Quartering of Soldiers

Fourth Amendment

Search and Seizure

Fifth Amendment

Grand Jury, Double Jeopardy, Self Incrimination, Due Process, Takings

Sixth Amendment

Right to Speedy Trial by Jury, Witnesses, Counsel

Seventh Amendment

Jury Trial in Civil Lawsuits

Eighth Amendment

Excessive Fines, Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Ninth Amendment

Non-Enumerated Rights Retained by People

10th Amendment

Rights Reserved to States or People

11th Amendment

Suits Against States

12th Amendment

Election of President and Vice President

13th Amendment

Abolition of Slavery

14th Amendment

Citizenship Rights, Equal Protection, Apportionment, Civil War Debt

15th Amendment

Right to Vote Not Denied by Race

16th Amendment

Income Tax

17th Amendment

Popular Election of Senators

18th Amendment

Prohibition of Liquor

19th Amendment

Women’s Right to Vote

20th Amendment

Presidential Term and Succession, Assembly of Congress

21st Amendment

Repeal of Prohibition

22nd Amendment

Two-Term Limit on Presidency

23rd Amendment

Presidential Vote for D.C.

24th Amendment

Abolition of Poll Taxes

25th Amendment

Presidential Disability and Succession

26th Amendment

Right to Vote at Age 18

27th Amendment

Congressional Compensation

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