Unit I Lesson 9

Amending the U.S. Constitution

Essential Questions:

• What are the origins of American government?

• What type of government was established at the Constitutional Convention of 1789?

• How was our government shaped by the historical situation at the time and the philosophical tradition that influenced the framers of the constitution?

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves

and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Separation

of Powers

Preamble

Checks and

Balances

Federalism

Article V of the Constitution- Describes the steps

needed to change or “amend” the Constitution:

Article V

Step 1: The Amendment must be introduced

in BOTH houses of Congress

Amendment

“No Gay Marriage in America”

“No Gay Marriage in America”

Step 2: The Amendment must be approved by

a two-thirds “super-majority” in BOTH houses

of Congress

2/3rds 2/3rds Amendment

Step 3: The Amendment must be “ratified” (approved) by

three-fourths of state legislatures for it to become part

of the U.S. Constitution

2/3rds Step 3 No Gay Marriage

2/3rds Step 1

Step 2

38/50

Georgia

Amendment 1/50

Utah

Amendment 2/50

Indiana

Amendment 3/50

38/503/4ths Amendment

Amendments

The U.S. Constitution has been amended only 27

times

27

Amendments

Federalism

Article V

How to…

What role does Congress play in amending the U.S. Constitution?

A. Congress plays no formal role; the Constitution is amended by the states

B. Congress passes amendments by a two-thirds vote, sending them to the president for his signature or veto

C. The Senate approves proposed amendments by a two-thirds vote, but the House plays little role in the process

D. Amendments approved by Congress are sent to the states for ratification

How are Amendments to the U.S.

Constitution ratified?

A. A supermajority vote in the U.S. Senate

B. Two-thirds vote in both houses of

Congress

C. Three-fourths of state legislatures

approve it

D. Two-thirds of state legislatures approve it

http://www.howcast.com/videos/262766-How-to-Amend-the-US-Constitution