Jeff Parker, 2002. Florida Today. www.caglecartoons.com

The Amendment Process What does the boy in the cartoon represent? The train? What is the cartoonist saying about the amendment process? Why does the amendment process take so long? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a long process?

Take a look! Let’s see what it takes to make an amendment and some fun facts about amending the Constitution.

ratifying conventions Proposal option 1 Vote of 2/3 of members of both houses of Congress Proposal option 2 National convention called by 2/3 of state legislatures Has never happened Ratification option 1 Approval by ¾ of State Legislatures Ratification option 2 Approval by ¾ of state ratifying conventions Has only happened once New Amendment Is Created!!

Necessary & Proper Clause In Article I where it lists the powers of Congress, it gives Congress the power “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper” to carry out its duties.

*Necessary and Proper Clause (cont…) Allows Congress to have powers not listed in the Constitution. These are called implied powers Examples: regulating air travel, radio air waves, TV stations, internet laws, etc.

How do people feel about the N & P Clause? What do you think? Loose interpretation- Congress should be able to do whatever is not forbidden in the Constitution. Strict interpretation- Congress should be able to do only what is stated in the Constitution

Your Assignment… Write a paragraph explaining an amendment you would like to see added to the Constitution. Explain the path this amendment would have take to become law in America. 2 points – identifying your amendment and explaining why you think it should be added to the Constitution. 5 points – correctly identifying both options for how your amendment might be proposed, **noting the most common way. 5 points- correctly identifying both options for how your amendment might be approved, **noting the most common way.