Amending the Constitution Chapter 3 Sections 2 & 3
Amendments! US Constitution Effective 1789 – the US Constitution is the longest active plan of government in the World. 1789 – 13 states and a population of less than 4 million in the US Present – 50 states and over 300 million citizens. How has the Constitution endured? Amendments!
Formal Amendment Process Article V US Constitution – provides the process of amending (altering) the Constitution. There are two ways that an Amendment can be proposed and two methods for Ratification.
Formal Amendment Process Types of Proposals Types of Ratification Proposed by Congress by a 2/3 vote in both Houses Ratified by State legislatures of ¾ of states Proposed by a national convention when requested by 2/3 of state legislatures Ratified by conventions held in ¾ of the States
Federalism and Popular Sovereignty Formal Amendment process reflects Federalism Amendments reflect the will of the people.
Constitutional Change by “Other Means” Basic Legislation Executive Decisions USSC Decisions Activities of Political Parties Custom