Amending the Constitution

Amending the Constitution Chapter 3, Section 3

“ We must never forget that it is ….a Constitution intended to endure for ages to come, and, consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs.” - John Marshall, 1819

NameDate Nov 27, 2012 Amending the Constitution Define 3 (Pg. 76 or 81) 1) 2) 3)

Warm up • See the Amendments on pages 789 – 800 • Which 3 Amendments (changes) in the Bill of Rights do you feel are the most important? • Which 3 Amendments (changes) AFTER THE BILL OF RIGHTS do you feel are the most important? (#11-27) • If you could add 3 Amendments (changes) to our constitution what would they be?

I. The Amendment Process A. Two ways to Propose and Ratify Amendments 1. The Best Way to Propose and Ratify an Amendment A. Propose: Two-thirds vote of each house of congress. B. Ratify: Three-fourths of the 50 state legislatures need to ratify the amendment. TWO-THIRDS VOTE TWO-THIRDS VOTE

Examples of Suggested Amendments, but never ratified : Putting limits on Limiting term of Supreme income taxes Court to 12 yrs. * None have gotten a two-thirds vote and gone to the state legislature.

2. Another Way to Propose and Ratify An Amendment is Constitutional Convention. A. Propose: Constitutional Convention called by Congress (at the request of two-thirds of the 50 states). B. Ratify: Each state calls a special ratifying convention in their state!! ¾ (75% of the states have to approve amendment! * Happened only one time when ratifying the 21st Amendment.

Amendment Activity Write this down in your notes • Which Amendments (3) are the most important for the protection of individual rights? Why? • Which Amendments (3) are the most important for providing equal rights in society? Why? • Which Amendment do you feel could be eliminated? Why? What are 3 possible amendments you would want to see proposed? What position would you take/want? Write them down. #28, 29,30! !! Page 81 #4

Groups of 3 or 4 Write the # of the Amendment 1. What are the 3 most important Amendments for the protection ofindividual rights? 2. What are the 3 most important for providing equal rights in society? 3. What are 3 amendments you would want to see proposed? What position would you take/want? #28 #29 #30 • Example Marriage should only be permitted between a man and woman. • Marriage should be permitted for any US citizens regardless of gender.

I. The Amendment Process B. Congress Sets the Rules - Congress decides how much time the states will have to ratify an amendment. - Congress has set a 7 yr limit in modern years.

II. Informal Changes A. Modern Presidents have strengthened their office by proposing their own legislative agendas to Congress. * The constitution is a living document

II. Informal Changes B. Changes Through Practices * House of Reps may impeach (or accuse) federal officials. * Senate will determine if the person is guilty or innocent.

Examples: Andrew Johnson Richard Nixon Bill Clinton

III. Court Decisions A. Judicial Review The Supreme Court Interprets the Constitution 1. Judicial Restraint The Court should avoid taking the initiative on social and political ?’s. 2. Judicial Activism The Court should play a role in shaping national policies.

Amendment Activity Write this down in your notes • Which Amendments (3) are the most important for the protection of individual rights? Why? • Which Amendments (3) are the most important for providing equal rights in society? Why? • Which Amendment do you feel could be eliminated? Why? What are 3 possible amendments you would want to see proposed? What position would you take/want? Write them down. #28, 29,30! Page 81 #4

Amending the Constitution