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The Constitution
Read the complete U.S. Constitution with plain-language explanations. 35 sections, 1,269 quiz questions, and key concepts.
The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments, ratified in 1791, safeguarding fundamental American liberties.
🗣️1st AmendmentYour freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, petition.🔫2nd AmendmentYour right to own and carry firearms is protected.🏠3rd AmendmentGovernment can't force you to house soldiers.🔍4th AmendmentPolice must have legal justification to search you or your property.🤐5th AmendmentFive protections: grand jury, no retrial, silence, due process, and fair pay for taken property.👨⚖️6th AmendmentCriminal trials must be speedy, public, and fair.🧑🤝🧑7th AmendmentJury trials guaranteed in federal civil cases over $20.⛓️8th AmendmentNo excessive bail, fines, or cruel punishment.👤9th AmendmentUnlisted rights still belong to the people.🏳️10th AmendmentPowers not delegated stay with states and people.
Test your knowledge
Do you know your rights? Take our comprehensive Constitution Test to see how well you understand the first ten amendments.
The Articles
Establishing the three branches of government and the framework of federalism.
🏛️Article ICongress writes federal laws and controls spending.🦅Article IIThe President enforces laws and commands the military.⚖️Article IIIFederal courts settle disputes and interpret laws.🗺️Article IVStates must respect each other's laws and citizens.🔧Article VChanging the Constitution requires supermajorities.📜Article VIThe Constitution overrides all conflicting laws.✍️Article VIINine states had to ratify to make this official.
Later Amendments
⚔️11th AmendmentStates have immunity from certain federal lawsuits.🗳️12th AmendmentSeparate Electoral College votes for President and VP.⛓️13th AmendmentSlavery abolished everywhere in the United States.🪪14th AmendmentEveryone born here is a citizen with equal protection.✊15th AmendmentRace can't be used to deny voting rights.💵16th AmendmentCongress can collect income taxes from citizens.🎤17th AmendmentVoters elect senators directly, not state legislatures.🍺18th AmendmentBanned alcohol nationwide (later repealed by 21st).👩19th AmendmentWomen gain the right to vote nationwide.📅20th AmendmentPresidential terms start January 20th, not March 4th.🍻21st AmendmentProhibition repealed—alcohol legal again.2️⃣22nd AmendmentPresidents limited to two terms maximum.🏙️23rd AmendmentD.C. residents can vote for President but have no seats in Congress.🪙24th AmendmentPoll taxes banned—voting is not pay-to-play.🩹25th AmendmentClear rules for when the VP takes over or temporarily holds presidential power.🧑🎓26th AmendmentVoting age lowered to 18 nationwide.💵27th AmendmentCongressional pay raises take effect next term.