1. The Amendment Process How to change the Consitution

2. The Formal Amendment Process Formal Amendment – Changes or additions that become a part of the written language of the Constitution itself. There are 4 methods to formally amending the Constitution.

3. First Method An amendment may be proposed by a two-thirds majority in each house of Congress. This proposed Amendment will then be ratified by three-quarters of the State legislatures. 26 of today’s 27 Constitutional Amendments were adopted this way.

4. Second Method An amendment may be proposed by Congress and then ratified by conventions in three- fourths of the States. The 21 st Amendment was adopted this way.

5. Third Method An Amendment may be proposed by a national convention, called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the State legislatures. Must be ratified by three fourths of the State legislatures.

6. Fourth Method Amendment may be proposed at a national convention and ratified by conventions in three fourths of States.

7. Amending the Constitution Step 1Step 2 Amendment Is ProposedAmendment is Ratified 2/3 vote both chambers ¾ state legislatures 2/3 national convention ¾ state conventions 27 Amends. 21 st amend

8. The Informal Process of Changing the Constitution Congressional laws Congress has added to the meaning of the Constitution by passing legislation. Supreme Court Decisions Court decisions set a judicial precedent in the interpretation of the Constitution. Example. Roe v. Wade

9. The Daily Show Correspondents Explain the Amendments http://www.thedailyshow.com/collections/correspondent s-explain http://www.thedailyshow.com/collections/correspondent s-explain

10. Get your textbooks! On page 77, answer questions 1 – 4.