All 27 amendments to the United States Constitution, with their original text and historical significance. The first ten — the Bill of Rights — are the foundation of American liberty.
"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."
Five freedoms in one amendment. The Founders considered these so fundamental that they placed them first. Today, as governments around the world restrict speech and religion, the First Amendment stands as humanity's greatest legal protection for these sacred liberties.
Ratified in 1791, the first ten amendments were demanded by the states as a condition of ratifying the Constitution. They protect individual rights from federal government overreach.
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.
The cornerstone of American liberty. The First Amendment protects five fundamental freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. It was designed to prevent the federal government from establishing an official national religion and from silencing dissent.
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.
The cornerstone of federalism. All powers not specifically granted to the federal government belong to the states or the people. This amendment was intended to prevent the consolidation of all power in Washington.
The remaining seventeen amendments reflect the evolution of American democracy — abolishing slavery, extending voting rights, and refining the structure of government.
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.
Abolished slavery throughout the United States, fulfilling the promise of the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal.
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.
Granted citizenship to formerly enslaved people and guaranteed equal protection under the law. Has been used through 'selective incorporation' to apply the Bill of Rights to state governments.
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.
Granted women the right to vote, extending the democratic franchise to half the population.