Aim: How can we amend the constitution and why would we want to? Do Now: Think of a time when you have had to change something in your life. Explain what it is you had to change about yourself and why it might have been difficult for you.

Step 1: _________________________________________ Now watch the video on Amending the Constitution and answer the questions that follow. There are 5 main steps for amending the constitution. Explain in a few words what you need to do at each step. Step 1: _________________________________________ Step 2: _________________________________________ Step 3: _________________________________________ Step 4: _________________________________________ Step 5: _________________________________________ If you can get through these 5 steps you will have successfully amended the Constitution! Get amendment proposed in Congress or State Legislatures. Get the amendment through a House Committee Get 2/3 majority vote in both Houses of Congress Print copies of the amendment and send it to the 50 States. Get 3/4 of the States to agree or ratify the amendment.

The Amendment Process B. C. A. D.

The Amendment Process 1. How long can it take to amend the constitution? ___________________________________________ 2. Which Article (Section) of the Constitution outlines how to amend the constitution? ______________ 3. How many ways can an amendment be proposed? _______ 4. How many ways can an amendment be ratified? _______ 5. How many amendments are there in the Bill of Rights? _______ 6. When was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution? ________ 7. How many amendments are there in the Constitution today? ______ Months even a year. A long time! V (Five) TWO TWO TEN 1791 27

The Amendment Process A. B. C. D.

The Amendment Process 8. Explain the four ways that the constitution can be amended. a. b. c. d. Propose in Congress and pass with 2/3 of each House, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Legislatures

The Amendment Process 8. Explain the four ways that the constitution can be amended. a. b. c. d. Propose in Congress and pass with 2/3 of each House, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Legislatures Propose in Congress and pass with 2/3 of each House, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Conventions

The Amendment Process 8. Explain the four ways that the constitution can be amended. a. b. c. d. Propose in Congress and pass with 2/3 of each House, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Legislatures Propose in Congress and pass with 2/3 of each House, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Conventions Propose by National Convention and pass with 2/3 of State Legislatures, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Legislatures

The Amendment Process 8. Explain the four ways that the constitution can be amended. a. b. c. d. Propose in Congress and pass with 2/3 of each House, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Legislatures Propose in Congress and pass with 2/3 of each House, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Conventions Propose by National Convention and pass with 2/3 of State Legislatures, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Legislatures Propose by National Convention and pass with 2/3 of State Legislatures, then Ratify by 3/4 of State Conventions

The Amendment Process Why do you think our founding fathers made it so difficult to amend the constitution? Why is it so important that we have the ability to amend the constitution? A constitution is a framework of government, and if we are going to change how the government works, it better be VERY IMPORTANT! To prevent unnecessary amendments from being added to the constitution. To PRESERVE STATES RIGHTS! ***** To allow the Constitution to Change over time, as the needs of the country changed.