TED-ED: Why is the US Constitution so hard to amend? - Peter Paccone

The US Constitution allows amendments but is difficult to change due to high thresholds set by its founders. Only 27 amendments have passed since its inception. The process requires a 2/3 vote in Congress or state legislatures and ratification by 3/4 of states. Historical amendments like the Bill of Rights and those post-Civil War were significant. Modern challenges include political polarization, making consensus hard. The Supreme Court often interprets laws to adapt to changes. Thomas Jefferson suggested laws should expire to avoid obstacles in political processes.

What is required for an amendment to be proposed in the U.S. Constitution?

• A national referendum

• A simple majority in both houses of Congress

• A 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress or a request from 2/3 of state legislatures

• Approval from the President

Which amendments were passed to resolve conflicts from the original Constitutional Convention?

• The 26th Amendment

• The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments

• The 19th Amendment

• The Bill of Rights

Why has ratifying amendments become more difficult over time?

• The process has become more bureaucratic

• The country has grown larger and more diverse

• There is less interest in constitutional changes

• The Supreme Court blocks most amendments

What role does the Supreme Court play in constitutional changes?

• It interprets existing constitutional laws to adapt to modern times

• It can propose new amendments

• It ratifies amendments

• It can veto proposed amendments

What did Thomas Jefferson suggest about laws in his letter to James Madison?

• Laws should be decided by a national referendum

• Laws should be changed only by the Supreme Court

• Laws should expire every 19 years

• Laws should be permanent and unchangeable