1. Amending the Constitution

2. Quick Review Popular sovereignty means that
States have more power than the federal gov
Courts may decide what the Const means
Const may be changed or amended
All gov power belongs to the people
The principle of gov that favors national gov w/3 independent branches is called
Separation of powers
Federalism
Formal amendment
Checks and balances

3. Adding a bill of rights to the Constitution was largely supported by the
small states
large states
Federalists
Antifederalists
The Articles of Confederation were eventually replaced for all of the following reasons except
the lack of an Executive branch
the inability of Congress to tax
Shay’s Rebellion
The strong national government

4. The Living Constitution: Formal Amendment
Step One:
Methods of Proposal:
2/3 Congress proposes OR
2/3 National Convention proposes
**Supermajority – more than 1/2 **

5. **Method 1 is most common**
Ratify Amendments
Step Two
Methods of Ratification:
3/4 State Legislatures ratify OR
3/4 State Conventions ratify
**Method 1 is most common**

6. Bill of Rights
1st 10 amendments added to the Const in order to ensure ratification of the Const
Include civil liberties: basic rights and freedoms: speech, bear arms, warrant, etc.

7. Failed Amendments ERA – Equal Rights Amendment
1923: Women should be equal to men
Nearly passed in the 1970s w/35 out of 38 state ratifying

8. Informal Changes to the Constitution
Congressional Legislation: laws that change or interpret the meaning of the Const
Health Care Reform
Executive Action: executive order, pres orders the bureaucracy to do something
Close Guantanamo Bay

9. Courts: interpret laws Political Customs: Cabinet
Brown v. Board, Roe v. Wade
Political Customs: Cabinet