Bell Work We must never forget that it is…a Constitution intended to endure for ages to come, and, consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. -John Marshall, 1819 What do you think this statement means?

In Lak’ech by Luis Valdez Tu eres me otro yo Si te hago daño a ti, Me hago daño a mi mismo Si te amo y respeto Me amo y respeto yo You are my other me If I do harm to you, I do harm to myself If I love and respect you I love and respect myself

Bell Work We must never forget that it is…a Constitution intended to endure for ages to come, and, consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. -John Marshall, 1819 What do you think this statement means?

Amending the Constitution The amendment process allows the Constitution to be adapted as times change. Amendments may be proposed by a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate or by two-thirds of the states asking for a convention. A proposed amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by three-fourths of the states through ratifying conventions. Congress sets a time limit within which ratification must be completed. Of the more than 11,000 proposed amendments, only 27 have been ratified.

The Bill of Rights Through the incorporation doctrine, almost all the provisions of the national Bill of Rights have been incorporated into the states by court cases. The First Amendment guarantees basic freedoms, the Second ensures the right to security, and the Third and Fourth protect the homes and privacy of citizens. The Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Amendments protect people accused of crimes. The Ninth Amendment states that rights not named are kept by the people, and the Tenth says that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

The Later Amendments Seven of the later amendments modify the structure of the government or the powers of the different branches. XI – Prohibits residents of one state from suing the government of another state in Federal court XII – Electoral College must use separate ballots for president and vice president XVII – popular election of senators

The Later Amendments XX – Set new dates for presidential inauguration (January 20) and the start of congressional sessions (January 3) XXII – Two terms for president XXV – Process for the vice-president to take over if the president is disabled. How to fill the office of vice president if vacant XXVII – Congressional pay raises

3 Amendments expanded the power of the U.S. Government The Later Amendments 3 Amendments expanded the power of the U.S. Government XVI – Gave Congress the power to levy income taxes XVIII – Prohibition XXI – Repealed prohibition except that alcohol can’t be transported across states where state law prohibits it

The Later Amendments Seven amendments extend individual rights, particularly the right to vote. XIII – Outlaws slavery XIV – States can’t deny citizen of life, liberty or property without due process All citizens are guaranteed equal protection under the law Birthright citizenship

The Later Amendments XV – Prohibits the government from denying a person’s right to vote on the basis of race XIX – Guaranteed women the right to vote XXIII –Gave Washington DC votes in the electoral college XXIV – Outlawed poll taxes XXVI – Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18

Changes to our Understanding of the Constitution While amending the Constitution is the only way to change it, the interpretation of its meaning has changed over time. As modern presidents have extended their power, their role in government has grown. Federal courts interpret the Constitution, and changes in judges and in social and political conditions can affect these interpretations. The fact that portions of the Constitution are written in language that leaves room for interpretation and adaptation has helped the Constitution survive.

Reflection If you could propose an amendment to the Constitution, what would it be?