ESSENTIAL QUESTION: HOW CAN THE U.S. CONSTITUTION BE CHANGED? Chapter 3 Section 3 (Pgs ) An Enduring Document

Envisioning Change Framers of the Constitution planned a system of government that could adapt to changing conditions and needs in America Framers specifically wrote the Constitution to be adaptable to situations they couldn’t imagine then Instructions for the process of how to change in Constitution was included in it Question: What are some changes in modern times that the framers could not have foreseen?

Changing the Constitution “Framers wanted the Constitution to endure the influence of politics and temporary changes of political opinions.” Pg. 100 There are two ways the Constitution can be changed: 1. Formally by amendment 2. Informally by government acts or custom

The Amendment Process Amendment: a written change to the Constitution Formal way of changing the Constitution Article V outlines this process Has only happened 27 times in history ¾ths of the states must approved proposed amendments before it can occur (38 out of 50 states) An amendment can be proposed two ways 1. Congress can by 2/3rds votes in both houses 2. State legislatures can ask Congress to call a national convention to propose an amendment by 2/3rds request (34 out of 50 states)

The Amendment Process Proposed amendments must be ratified by 3/4ths of the states (38 out of 50) for it to be written into the Constitution This ratification process can be done two ways: 1. Can be sent to state legislatures for approval (This has occurred for 26 of the 27 amendments) 2. Can be sent to state conventions for consideration Amendments can be repeal Repeal: Canceling a previously written amendment

Interpreting the Constitution Broad guidelines are purposefully set in the Constitution The Federal Government has also changed by customs and traditions that are never written or made laws President Washington started a famous one with the executive branch’s regular meetings with top advisors known as the President’s Cabinet Cabinet: The leaders of the executive branch who also act as advisors to the president These customs and traditions are known as the “unwritten Constitution

Congress and the Constitution Congress interprets the Constitution to determine what laws they can pass However, the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Constitution is final The Supreme Court can rule a law passed by Congress unconstitutional Congress may revised unconstitutional laws to make them constitutional Question: How can the Constitution be changed?