Amending the Constitution Chapter 3, Section 3

“ We must never forget that it is … “ 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

Name Date March 5, 2012 Amending the Constitution Define 3 (Pg. 76 or 81) 1) 2) 3)

I. The Amendment Process A. Two ways to Propose and Ratify Amendments 1. The Best Way to Propose and Ratify an Amendment A. Propose: Two-thirds vote of each house of congress. B. Ratify: Legislatures in three-fourths of the states need to ratify the amendment. TWO-THIRDS VOTE TWO-THIRDS VOTE

Examples of Suggested Amendments, but never ratified : Putting limits on Limiting term of Supreme income taxes Court to 12 yrs. * None have won a two-thirds vote and gone to the state legislature.

2. Another Way to Propose and Ratify An Amendment. A. Propose: Constitutional Convention called by Congress (at the request of two-thirds of the states). B. Ratify: Each state calls a special ratifying convention. ( It will become an amendment when three-fourths of these conventions approve it). * Happened only one time when ratifying the 21st Amendment.

Amendment Activity Write this down in your notes Which Amendments (3) are the most important for the protection of individual rights? Why? Which Amendments (3) are the most important for providing equal rights in society? Why? Which Amendment do you feel could be eliminated? Why? What are 3 possible amendments you would want to see proposed? What position would you take/want? Write them down. #28, 29,30! Also put them on an index card!! Page 81 #4

I. The Amendment Process B. Congress Sets the Rules - Congress decides how much time the states will have to ratify an amendment. - Congress has set a 7 yr limit in modern years.

II. Informal Changes A. Modern Presidents have strengthened their office by proposing their own legislative agendas to Congress. * The constitution is a living document

II. Informal Changes B. Changes Through Practices * House of Reps may impeach (or accuse) federal officials. * Senate will determine if the person is guilty or innocent.

Examples: Andrew Jackson Richard Nixon Bill Clinton

III. Court Decisions A. Judicial Review The Supreme Court Interprets the Constitution 1. Judicial Restraint The Court should avoid taking the initiative on social and political ?’s. 2. Judicial Activism The Court should play a role in shaping national policies.

Amendment Activity Write this down in your notes Which Amendments (3) are the most important for the protection of individual rights? Why? Which Amendments (3) are the most important for providing equal rights in society? Why? Which Amendment do you feel could be eliminated? Why? What are 3 possible amendments you would want to see proposed? What position would you take/want? Write them down. #28, 29,30! Also put them on an index card!! Page 81 #4