The Amendments
Focus Question: Why is it important to be able to make changes to the Constitution?
The Amendment Process The Framers wanted to insure that the Constitution would last Prepare a method to amend the Constitution that gave the nation stability Over time, the Constitution has been amended 27 times.
The Amendments Bill of Rights ▫First 10 amendments ▫Outline our basic rights as citizens ▫Passed through a deal with Virginia
The Amendments (II) Structural Changes ▫Correct problems within the Constitution Electoral College “Lame Duck” Amendment Direct Election of Senators Presidential Term Limits
The Amendments (III) Expanding the definition of citizenship ▫Civil War Amendments ▫Suffrage Amendments No restriction on racial/ethnic origin No restriction on gender 18 year old vote Poll tax
Amendments (IV) Overturn Supreme Court Decisions ▫Lawsuits against states ▫African-American citizenship ▫Income Taxes
Amendments (V) Moral Issues ▫Abolition ▫Prohibition (repealed)