Breanne De Pino

1. Type one:

2. Proposed by Congress

3. Must have a 2/3 majority vote in the House of Representatives and Notices are sent to the governors of all states to approve (at least ¾ of the states must approve)

4. Type two:

5. Must be approved by 2/3 of the state legislatures

6. This method hasn’t been used since 2006

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=U.S._constitutional_amendment_process#Two_ways_to_amend_the_Constitution

Amendment Process

• The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments

• The 1st amendment states that citizens have the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and to petition government

• The 2nd amendment gives citizens the right to organize and maintain a militia at a time of peace and the right to bear arms

• The 3rd amendment states that citizens don’t have to quarter troops in a time of peace

Bill of Rights

• The 4th amendment guarantees citizens protection from illegal search and seizure and must have a warrant unless there is a probable cause or it’s in plain view

• The 5th amendment gives these rights to the accused: self-incrimination clause and double jeopardy

• The 6th amendment states that the accused have the right to trial by jury, a speedy and impartial jury, and are entitled to a lawyer

Bill of Rights (continued)

• The 7th amendment gives the right to trial in civil cases (like lawsuits and civil violations) if amount of money involved exceeds $20

• The 8th amendment guarantees citizens accused of a crime: protection from cruel and unusual punishment, protection from excessive bail, and protection against excessive fines

• The 9th amendment gives rights to citizens that aren’t in the Constitution (private domain, choose friends, choose jobs, have children, etc.)

• The 10th amendment states that any powers not given to the national government are reserved for the states

Bill of Rights (continued)

• Establishment: government can’t target or benefit a certain religion and can’t force a person to have a certain religion

• Free Exercise: no religious belief or ritual punishments (unless unconstitutional), and no tax money can support a certain religion

• 1st Amendment: Bible can’t be taught in school, no prayer at graduation ceremonies, and no religious statues in government buildings and schools

Bill of Rights: Clauses

• Exclusionary Rule: government can’t use evidence in court if it was taken during an illegal search and seizure

• Self-Incrimination: no person can be forced to be a witness against oneself (plead the 5th)

• Double Jeopardy: can’t be charged for the same crime twice

• Confrontation: right to question a witness who’s accusing you

• Implied Right to Privacy: ensures private domain

Bill of Rights: Clauses (continued)

• 13th Amendment: Abolition of slavery

• 14th Amendment: defines citizenship, punishes states for denying vote, and disqualifies Confederate officials

• 15th Amendment: changes voting rights

Civil War Amendments

• 17th Amendment: popular election of senators

• 19th Amendment: gave women the right to vote

• 23rd Amendment: District of Columbia presidential vote

• 26th Amendment: right to vote at age 18

Voting Rights Amendments

http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h926.html