3.3 - Amending the Constitution

Describes the process for amending the Constitution

• Article I

• Article V

• Article IV

• Article II

Which of the following is the method most often used to start the process of amending the U.S.  Constitution?

• an amendment is ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the states
• an amendment initiative is presented by its sponsors to their state legislature
• an amendment is proposed by two thirds of both the House and the Senate
• an amendent petition is submitted to both Congress and all state legislatures

The timeline above provides details about a constitutional amendment.

According to the timeline, what happened between 1919 and 1933?

• The 21^st Amendment was approved by state ratifying conventions.

• The 21^st Amendment was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

• The 21^st Amendment was vetoed by the president.

• The 21^st Amendment was vetoed by Congress.

How many states must approve of a proposed amendment before it becomes part of the Constitution?

• 2/3s
• 34
• 3/4
• 37.5

Which of the following is the method most often used to start the process of amending the U.S.  Constitution?

• an amendment is ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the states
• an amendment initiative is presented by its sponsors to their state legislature
• an amendment is proposed by two thirds of both the House and the Senate
• an amendent petition is submitted to both Congress and all state legislatures

Why did the framers feel it was necessary at times to amend the Constitution?

• amending the Constitution would allow for tyranny.

• amending the Constitution can reflect changing times, beliefs, and social conditions.

• amending the Constitution shows other countries how strong the U.S. government is.

• amending the Constitution allows for a smooth transition of power between political parties.

Which is the last step in amending the U.S. Constitution?

• The voters approve the amendment in a national election.

• The president signs the amendment in a public ceremony.

• Three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify the amendment.

• Two-thirds of both houses of Congress ratify the amendment.

1st Amendment

• Freedom of speech, religion, press petition and assembly
• No illegal searches and seizures
• The right to bear arms
• No quartering troops

2nd Amendment 

• Freedom of speech, religion, press petition and assembly
• No illegal searches and seizures
• The right to bear arms
• No quartering troops

10th Amendment 

• Electoral College established
• Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved by the states.
• The naming of certain rights in the Constitution does not take away from the rights that are not named
• States sued in state courts