Amending the Constitution: Why Change?

The Constitution and the Amendment Process

Methods of Proposal

Method 1 By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate [most common method of proposing an amendment]

Methods of Proposal Method 2 By national constitutional convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures [This method has never been used] Method 1 By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate [most common method of proposing an amendment] Or

Methods of Ratification

Method 1 By legislatures in ¾ of the states [in all but one case, this is how amendments have been ratified]

Methods of Ratification Method 2 Ratified through conventions in ¾ of the states. [Only been used once to ratify the 21 st Amendment] Method 1 By legislatures in ¾ of the states [in all but one case, this is how amendments have been ratified] Or

Amendment Process Methods of Proposal Method 1 By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate Or Method 2 By national constitutional convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures Methods of Ratification Method 1 By legislatures in ¾ of the states Or Method 2 Ratified through conventions in ¾ of the states.

Suggested Amendment Topics Flag burning Allow non-natural born citizens to become President Official language(s) of U.S. Definition of marriage Prayer in school Balanced budget Electoral College Terms limits on U.S. Senators & Representatives Access to medical care for all citizens Death penalty

Political Cartoon #1 Political Cartoon #1 Title: Flag Burning Amendment Gary Markstein, Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, July 18, 2005,

Political Cartoon #2 Political Cartoon #2 Title: Flag Burning Steve Breen, The San Diego Union-Tribune, July 25,

Political Cartoon #3 Political Cartoon #3 Title: Gay Marriage Amendment Mike Lane, Cagle Cartoons. Feb. 26,