THE CONSTITUTION
How The Constitution Is Set Up The Constitution is divided into: Articles Sections Clauses Amendments
Article 1: Legislative Branch
Article 2: Executive Branch
Article 3: The Judicial Branch
Article 4: Relations Among States
Article 5: Provisions For Amendments
Article 6: Public Debts, Supremacy of National Law, Oath of Office
Article 7: Ratification
Amending the Constitution There Are 2 Ways To Perceive Amendments To The Constitution Formal Informal There is only one Amendment that cannot be made. No Amendment Can Deprive A State of Equal Representation in the Senate.
Formal Amendments Formal means to add written words to the constitution. Method 1: 2/3rds vote in each House and Ratified by 3/4ths of State Legislatures (38 States). 26 of 27 have been made this way. Method 2: Proposed by Congress and Ratified by 3/4ths state conventions. 21st Amendment was done this way. Method 3: Proposed by National Convention called by congress at 2/3rds States request and ratified by 3/4ths of the State Legislatures. Method 4: Proposed and ratified by national convention in 3/4ths of the states.
Informal Amendments Informal Amendments – Changes in the constitution that does not involve any changes in the written words. Passage of basic legislation by congress Actions taken by the President – Executive Agreements Decisions by the Supreme Court – Marbury vs. Madison Activities of Political Parties – Nomination of President by Convention Customs – Vice- President becomes President