GOVERNMENT

Amending the Constitution

Amendment Process

Amendments allow for the Constitution to change and adapt to changing societies.

Article 5 of the Constitution lays out the amendment process.

Amendments may deal with any topic except that no state can lose equal representation in the Senate.

The Amending process illustrates federalism because it involves both national and state-by state governments.

Proposing Amendments (2 Ways)

2/3 vote of each house of Congress

Many proposals are introduced each year

Common Way

A constitutional convention called by Congress on request by 2/3 of the states.

This method is controversial because a convention is not limited to looking at a specific amendment.

Never been used

Ratifying Amendments (2 Ways)

¾ of state legislatures to ratify or approve it. 38 states

Each state can call a special ratifying convention.

¾ of these conventions approve it.

Only used 1 time Gives people a voice in

amendment process because they vote for delegates.

CONGRESS DECISIONS-Congress decides which ratification method will be used.-Congress also decides how much time the states will have to ratify the amendment.

-In recent times, the limit has been set to 7 years.

Amendment Process

Why did the framers make the constitution difficult to amend?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Do you think the founders were correct in allowing the constitution to be amended? Why or Why Not?

Amendment Activity

Task:Select an issue you believe the Constitution needs

to address and propose an amendment. Write your proposal in a formal matter.Explain why you believe it is needed and how the

nation will benefit if it is ratified.Anticipate what opposition you expect there to be.

Explain why?Create arguments that will be used to reply to the

criticism.