GED Social Studies · Civics & Government
Constitutional Amendments & the March on Washington (1963)
The U.S. Constitution — Selected Amendments
1st Amendment
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.
KEY RIGHTS: Speech · Press · Religion · Peaceful Assembly · Petition
6th Amendment
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed . . . .
KEY RIGHTS: Speedy Trial · Impartial Jury · Criminal Defense
8th Amendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
KEY RIGHTS: No Excessive Bail · No Cruel & Unusual Punishment
14th Amendment
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 . . . .
KEY RIGHTS: Equal Protection · Due Process · Citizenship Rights
March on Washington, D.C. — August 28, 1963
Photograph shows a large crowd of marchers — men and women of all backgrounds — walking together through Washington, D.C. Many carry hand-lettered signs. Marchers are dressed in their Sunday best; the atmosphere is peaceful and purposeful.
WE MARCH FOR JOBS FOR ALL NOW!
MARCH FOR FREEDOM
EQUAL RIGHTS NOW
WE DEMAND EQUAL RIGHTS
END SEGREGATED RULES
MARCH NOW
WASHINGTON, D.C. · AUGUST 28, 1963
Right to Assemble
The 1st Amendment guarantees the right to gather peacefully in public to express views or demand government action. Marches and protests are protected assembly.
Petition the Government
Also protected by the 1st Amendment — the right to formally ask the government to address a wrong or change a policy, individually or as a group.
March on Washington
On August 28, 1963, over 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, demanding civil rights and economic justice.
Applying Amendments
GED questions often ask you to match a real-world situation to the correct amendment. Focus on the KEY RIGHT each amendment protects, not just its number.