Chapter 3 – “The Constitution”
Section 2 – The Formal Amendment Process
1. Amending the Constitution
A. Article V of the Constitution states: “The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it
necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds
of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all
Intents and Purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several
States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed
by the Congress…”
* In our 230+ year history, the Constitution has only been amended ______________________!!!
2. The Amendment Process
A. Two major steps in the amendment process…
* Proposal happens at the ________________ LEVEL!
*Ratification happens at the ________________ LEVEL!
(Represents what?)
3. Categorizing Amendments to the Constitution
A. Bill of Rights:
* What were the intentions of these amendments?
B. Scope of the National Government:
These amendments are specifically addressing…
C. Post-Civil War:
These amendments specifically addressed…
D. Changes in Election Methods:
E. Expanding the Vote:
Important? Why?
F. Alcohol:
4. Proposed, But Unsuccessful Amendments
A. Anti-Miscegenation Amendment: Seaborn Roddenbery, 1912…
B. Death Penalty Abolition Amendment: 4x in the 1990s, Henry González…
C. Flag Desecration Amendment: First in 1968…
D. Human Life Amendment: First in 1973…
E. Balanced Budget Amendment:
F. Federal Marriage Amendment: 4x in the 2000s, multiple members of Congress…