Changing the Constitution How Do we Do It?

Amendments That Never Made It 1876 – An attempt to abolish the US Senate 1893 – Rename the US the United States of Earth 1914 – Making divorce illegal 1916 – All acts of war should be put to a national vote. Anyone voting yes would have to register as a volunteer in the Army.

Formal Amendment Process Proposal 2/3 of Each House of Congress National Convention Called by Congress at the Request of 2/3 of the States

Formal Amendment Process Ratification ¾ of the States Convention in ¾ of the States

Methods Used Proposal All Amendments Except 21 Proposal Amendment 21 Ratification Of All Amendments National Convention Called by Congress at Request of 2/3 of States ¾ of the States 2/3 both houses Congress

Informal Amendment Process Changing Supreme Court Interpretations Plessy v Ferguson > Brown v Topeka Custom and Tradition 22 nd Amendment

The Amendments How many do we currently have? What was the last one? When was it ratified?

Separation of Powers Checks and Balance Article I Article II Article III

How it Works

Other Ways to Look at Checks and Balances

Korean Christmas Tree

Florida is Going to the Gators? Florida Governor Debate 2014 Florida Governor Debate 2014