The Constitution
27 amendments
Changes added over time.
All study guidesLearn the basics
The amendments you must know
Learn the important amendments connected to the civics questions, and what each one does.
An amendment is a change to the Constitution.
Bill of Rights
The first 10
Protects basic rights.
Voting rights
15 · 19 · 24 · 26
Race · women · no tax · age 18
A way to remember
The First Amendment: RAPPS
RReligion
AAssembly — gather peacefully
PPress — share news
PPetition — ask government for change
SSpeech
RAPPS helps you remember the five freedoms. The cards below connect each important amendment to its meaning.
Try to remember
Which amendment lets citizens vote at age 18?
The amendments at a glance
1st
Bill of RightsFreedoms
Speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
2nd
Bill of RightsBear arms
The right to own weapons.
10th
Bill of RightsStates' powers
Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.
13th
After the Civil WarEnds slavery
Abolished slavery in the United States.
14th
After the Civil WarCitizenship & equal protection
People born or naturalized in the U.S., and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens. States must give everyone equal protection under the law.
15th
VotingVote regardless of race
Voting rights cannot be denied because of race, color, or previous enslavement.
19th
VotingWomen's vote
Voting rights cannot be denied because of sex. Women gained the right to vote.
22nd
PresidencyTwo-term president
The president can serve only two terms, to keep one person from becoming too powerful.
24th
VotingNo poll tax
No poll tax in federal elections — you don't have to pay a voting tax.
26th
VotingVote at 18
Citizens eighteen and older can vote.
A little more detail
How many are there?
Twenty-seven (27). Changes to the Constitution are called amendments. The first ten are the Bill of Rights, which protects the basic rights of everyone living in the United States.
The four voting amendments
Remember four voting amendments: 15th — voting rights cannot be denied because of race; 19th — voting rights cannot be denied because of sex; 24th — no poll tax in federal elections; 26th — citizens 18 and older can vote.
Ready to practice?
This guide connects to 11 official questions.
Practice 10 questions