Comparing Constitutions SS.7.C.3.13 Compare the constitutions of the United States and Florida. Comparing the U.S. and Florida Constitutions

Think of a constitution as a rule book for government. What is a constitution? Provides a framework for government Outlines responsibilities and powers Limits government authority Protects the rights of the people The following slide will elaborate on the definition as applied to the U.S. Constitution. Ask students if they know of anything else a constitution does (lists the rights of the people, says what government can and cannot do, etc)…Pass out papers and begin Close read as a whole group. Think of a constitution as a rule book for government. Rule Book

Comparing CONSTITUTIONS CLOSED READ

Amending Constitutions Comparing the Amendment Processes Amending Constitutions

Changes to the Constitutions United States Constitution Florida Constitution 27 amendments ratified Over 10,000 amendments have been proposed The U.S. Constitution has been amended only 17 times since the first 10—which make up the Bill of Rights—were ratified in 1791. Over 100 amendments since 1968 Florida has more ways to amend the constitution than any other state Over 10,000 amendments have been introduced into Congress since 1789. Only 33 have been approved. Of these, 27 have been ratified and added to the U.S. Constitution. Since the Constitution went into effect, there have been about 400 petitions from state legislatures calling for a convention to consider one thing or another. None of these efforts ever succeeded. http://www.crf-usa.org/america-responds-to-terrorism/do-we-need-a-new-constitutional-convention.html http://billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/additional-amendments/

Two Part Process Article V There are two parts to the constitutional amendment process. See Article 5 of the US Constitution. Article V Part One: Proposal Process Part Two: Ratification Process

Proposing Amendments to the U.S. Constitution Consent of 2/3 of Congress Constitutional convention (never been used) 2/3 of the legislatures of the states call a convention 2/3 2/3 https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/constitution/ http://www.aoc.gov/us-capitol-building

Approving (Ratifying) Amendments to the U.S. Constitution Ratified by ¾ of state legislatures Ratified by ¾ of constitutional conventions 3/4 3/4

Amending the Florida Constitution Florida has more ways to amend its Constitution than any other state. 5 ways to amend the Florida Constitution (Article XI): Proposal by legislature Revision commission Voter initiative Constitutional convention Amendment or revision election Highlight that this presentation will only focus on the Florida Legislature (Joint Resolution) amendment process and the Voter/Citizen Ballot Initiative.

Changes to the Constitutions United States Constitution Florida Constitution Proposing amendments: Consent of 2/3 of Congress Constitutional convention (never been used) 2/3 of the legislatures of the states call a convention Ratifying Amendments Ratified by ¾ of state legislatures Ratified by ¾ of constitutional conventions Proposing amendments: Proposal by legislature Revision commission Voter initiative Constitutional convention Amendment or revision election All proposals must pass with 60% voter approval Over 10,000 amendments have been introduced into Congress since 1789. Only 33 have been approved. Of these, 27 have been ratified and added to the U.S. Constitution. Since the Constitution went into effect, there have been about 400 petitions from state legislatures calling for a convention to consider one thing or another. None of these efforts ever succeeded. http://www.crf-usa.org/america-responds-to-terrorism/do-we-need-a-new-constitutional-convention.html http://billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/additional-amendments/

Work together and use your outline to make your best decision! Cite the Source! Read the selected quote. Your group will need to decide: Which document it is from - the U.S. or Florida Constitution Where in the document this quote is found Work together and use your outline to make your best decision!

United States Constitution Where is this quote from? The…power to establish post offices… Florida Constitution United States Constitution Click on the picture to link to the answer slide.

United States Constitution Where is this quote from? Counties may be created, abolished or changed by law… Florida Constitution United States Constitution Click on the picture to go to the answer slide

United States Constitution Where is this quote from? It is a paramount duty…to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders… Florida Constitution United States Constitution Click on the picture to go to the answer slide.

United States Constitution Where is this quote from? He shall have the power to make Treaties… Florida Constitution United States Constitution Click on the picture to go to the answer slide.

The Hierarchy of Law The U.S. Constitution is the “Supreme Law of the Land.” Article VI United States Constitution Acts of Congress Florida Constitution Highlight the hierarchy of law. The US Constitution as the highest law in the land. Explain that if there is a conflict between a lower law and a higher one, the higher one “prevails”. Amending the Florida and U.S. Constitution will be addressed in Benchmark SS.7.C.3.5. State Statutes (laws) City and County Ordinances

Checking for Understanding