Chapter 3

Sections 3 and 4

Amending and Interpreting the Constitution

• Changes to the Constitution is called an amendment

• Only 27 have been ratified

Formal and Informal Amendments(Formal) • Amending is made up of two steps

1. Proposal 2. Ratification– Proposal

• Act of Congress (2/3 vote of members from both houses of congress)• National State Convention (called by 2/3 of state legislature)

– Ratification• Once amendment has been proposed ¾ of states must ratify

(Informal)– If a situation came up and the Constitution did not prepare of

it can make changes

Interpreting• Writers of the Constitution knew the world

would change and they could not predict what would happen– Article I• Powers of Congress- make all laws which shall be

necessary and proper clause– Implied Powers-Congress can use powers not directly listed in

the Constitution

– Supreme Court– President interpret by taking actions not directed by

it (bills/budgets)

Major Part Purpose

1. Preamble Introduction

2. Articles Describe the structure and functions of the government

3. Amendments Additions/Changes to the Constitution

Organization of the U.S. Constitution

Read Page 92L4- Principles in the Constitution

Principles in the

Constitution

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