Amending the U.S. Constitution The only constant, is change… Mr. Stewart American Government

Oldest Constitution???? The US Constitution Is the oldest written constitution still in effect Why do you think the Constitution has been able to survive for 220 years?

Why is the U.S. Constitution the oldest? One of the reasons is because the Constitution was written in broad language . In many cases, allows for new interpretations to fit new circumstances

Why is the U. S. Constitution the oldest? Another reason that it has survived is because of its ability to be amended, or changed/added to… This process is not impossible but it is difficult enough to only allow for amendments that have a great deal of (but not necessarily overwhelming) support

Why is the amendment process so important? Our nation has changed a great deal in the past 220 years…and the amendment process has allowed parts of the Constitution to change with it.  

Short History of Amendments From 1789 through 2002, 27 amendments passed, one amendment every 7.8 years. From 1791 through 2002 there have only been 17 amendments, which represents one amendment every 12.4 years. Controversial ones, have a realistic chance of success.

How can the Constitution be amended? There is a 2-step process for amending the Constitution. First step is PROPOSAL and the second step is RATIFICATION .

Proposal There are two ways to propose a change in the U.S. Constitution 2/3rds vote of both houses of Congress (House and Senate) to formally propose the amendment Amendments can also be proposed at a national convention These would be called by the state legislatures.

Ratification The most common way that states can ratify amendments is by a vote in their state legislatures. 3/4ths (38) of the state legislatures must agree in order for the amendment to be officially ratified

Ratification “The Road Less traveled……” Another, less common method of ratification, is the use of state ratifying conventions. These are meetings with new delegates held in each state that vote on the amendment 3/4ths of these ratifying conventions would have to agree on the amendment

Three Essential Questions for Amendment Process Is there a “pressing need” in American society for the amendment? Is the amendment consistent with American values and the values of the Constitution? (as you define them)? What are the possible consequences (pro and con) if the amendment passes?