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Constitution Written
The U.S. Constitution has been the law of the land for more than 225 years. In that time, only 27 amendments have been made to it. -
Bill of Rights Created
Ten ratified amendments that ensured and promised basic, unalienable rights to citizens. -
12th Amendment
Calls for the Electoral College to use separate ballots in voting for president and vice president. -
13th Amendment
Outlaws slavery. -
14th Amendment
Prohibits a state from depriving a person of life, liberty, or property without “due process of law.” -
17th Amendment
People elect United States senators directly. -
18th Amendment
Banned sale of alcoholic beverages. -
19th Amendment
Guarantees women the right to vote. -
18th Amendment
Banning of the sale of alcoholic beverages. -
21st Amendment
Repealed 18th Amendment. -
20th Amendment
Sets new dates for when the president and vice president are inaugurated -
21st Amendment
Repealed 18th Amendment -
22nd Amendment
Limits presidents to a maximum of two elected terms. -
24th Amendment
Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections. -
25th Amendment
Establishes a process for the vice president to take over the office of president if the president is disabled. -
26th Amendment
Lowers the voting age in federal and state elections to 18. -
Texas v Johnson
In Texas v. Johnson (1989), the Supreme Court ruled that flag burning in the context of a political protest is symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment, so the Texas law was unconstitutional. -
27th Amendment
Makes congressional pay raises effective during the term following their passage.