1. Amending the Constitution: Why Change?

2. The Constitution and the Amendment Process

3. Methods of Proposal

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

5. 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

6. Methods of Ratification

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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. The Equal Rights Amendment Proposed 1972 Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

11. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): Questions for Discussion 1. What rights are protected by the ERA? 2. Why do you think the ERA has evoked such heated debate? 3. Brainstorm pros and cons of each side. 4. Do you think the ERA should be ratified?

12. 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

13. Political Cartoon #1 Political Cartoon #1 Title: Flag Burning Amendment Gary Markstein, Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, July 18, 2005, http://www.politicalcartoons.com

14. Political Cartoon #2 Political Cartoon #2 Title: Flag Burning Steve Breen, The San Diego Union-Tribune, July 25, 2005 http://www.politicalcartoons.com

15. Political Cartoon #3 Political Cartoon #3 Title: Gay Marriage Amendment Mike Lane, Cagle Cartoons. Feb. 26, 2004 http://www.politicalcartoons.com