1795 – 1992

Later Amendments

From state sovereign immunity to the 27th Amendment's two-century journey to ratification — seventeen changes since the Bill of Rights.

11th1795

State Sovereign Immunity

Bars federal courts from hearing suits against a state brought by citizens of another state or country.

12th1804

Election of the President

Requires separate electoral ballots for President and Vice President, fixing a flaw exposed in 1800.

13th1865

Abolition of Slavery

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

14th1868

Citizenship & Equal Protection

Guarantees birthright citizenship, due process, and equal protection of the laws against state action.

15th1870

Voting Rights Regardless of Race

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

16th1913

The Federal Income Tax

Authorizes Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states by population.

17th1913

Direct Election of Senators

Shifts the choice of U.S. Senators from state legislatures to a direct popular vote.

18th1919

Prohibition

Bans the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages nationwide. Repealed in 1933.

19th1920

Women's Suffrage

Prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex.

20th1933

The "Lame Duck" Amendment

Moves the start of presidential and congressional terms earlier, shortening the outgoing Congress's session.

21st1933

Repeal of Prohibition

Repeals the 18th Amendment — the only amendment ever ratified specifically to undo another.

22nd1951

Presidential Term Limits

Limits a president to two elected terms, codifying the two-term tradition Washington began.

23rd1961

Electoral Votes for D.C.

Grants Washington, D.C. electors in the Electoral College, as if it were a state.

24th1964

Ban on Poll Taxes

Prohibits conditioning the right to vote in federal elections on payment of a poll tax.

25th1967

Presidential Succession

Sets the process for filling a vice-presidential vacancy and for handling presidential disability.

26th1971

Voting Age Lowered to 18

Prohibits denying the right to vote to citizens eighteen or older on account of age.

27th1992

Congressional Pay

Delays any pay raise Congress votes itself until after the next election — proposed in 1789, ratified 203 years later.