Amendments to the Constitution

1. Amendments to the Constitution

2. U.S. Constitution • Framework of our government • Oldest written national constitution • Adopted by the United States in 1787 • In effect for 226 years now • Founders provided this document with the ability to adapt itself to changing conditions

3. Amendments • Founders anticipated the Constitution might have to be changed • Provided two methods of proposing amendments, or changes, to the Constitution: • 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress • A National Convention called 2/3 of the states • After amendment is proposed, it does not go into effect until ratified by either: • ¾ of the states • A special ratifying convention in ¾ of the states

4. Bill of Rights • Original Constitution (1787) contained few provisions guaranteeing individual rights • Citizens pressured leaders to add a Bill of Rights • In response, first 10 amendments were adopted by Congress in 1791

5. First Amendment

11. Second Amendment

17. Third Amendment

19. Fourth Amendment

21. Fifth Amendment

22. Sixth Amendment

23. Seventh Amendment

24. Eighth Amendment

25. Ninth Amendment

26. Tenth Amendment