1. Formal Amendment
Chapter 3 Section 2

2. Starter (S11)
Explain in your own words the Constitutional fundamental principle “Rule of Law”.
Answer:

3. Georgia Professional Standard
SSCG3: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution
A. Explain the main ideas in the debate over ratification; include those in the Federalist.

4. Word Bank (V3)
Complete (V3) Word Puzzles

5. Summary Outline the important elements of the Constitution
Listed the six basic principles of the constitution
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Federalism

6. Formal Amendment page 72
The process of constitutional change, modification and growth has come about in two basic ways:
1. Formal Amendment
2. Informal means

7. Formal Amendment Process
Article V: sets out two methods for proposal and two methods for the ratification of constitutional amendments.
So there are four (4) possible methods of formal amendment. (2 X 2 = 4)

8. Proposal of an Amendment
Two Methods
1. Proposed by Congress by a 2/3 vote of both Houses of the U.S. Congress (House of Representatives and the Senate)
2. Proposed at a National Convention called by Congress when requested by 2/3 (34) of the State Legislatures.

9. Ratification of an Amendment
Two Methods:
Ratified by the State Legislatures of ¾ (38) of the States
Ratified by conventions held in ¾ (38) of the States
See Formal Amendment Process on page 73

10. Four Methods of Formal Amendment page 73
1. Proposed by 2/3 vote in each house of Congress and ratified by ¾ of the State legislatures. (most common – 26 of 27 passed)
2. Proposed by 2/3 vote of Both houses of Congress and ratified by Convention.
3. Proposed by National Convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the States and ratified by ¾ of State Legislatures
4. Proposed by National conventions and ratified by ¾ of State Conventions

11. Federalism and Popular Sovereignty
The amendment process emphasizes the federal character of the governmental system.
Proposal takes place at the national level
Ratification is a State matter.
Some criticize the practice of Amending in the State legislatures rather then conventions. They feel the convention is a better expression of the will of the people.

12. Proposed Amendments page 74
Only one restriction on Amendment process.
Article V declares that “no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of equal suffrage in the Senate.”
Notes of interest:
The President does not sign an amendment. (Its not a law passed by congress)
States that reject the amendment, can ratify later.
The questions is “Can a State change their mind and reject it later
15000 resolutions calling for an amendment on 33 have been sent to the States and only 27 ratified.

13. The 27 Amendments page 75
The Bill of Rights: Consist of the First 10 Amendments proposed in 1789 and ratified by the States in late 1791
Necessary to insure ratification of the constitution
Collectively, they set out the guarantees freedoms of belief, expression, security of the person and the fair and equal treatment before the law

14. Later Amendments
11th: no state may be sued in federal courts by citizens of another
12th: Separated the elections of President from the Vice President
13th: Abolished Slavery
14th and 15th established citizenship, insured the right to vote, Due process
18th: Prohibition of A1cohol
22nd: Restricted President to 2 terms
26th; Set voting age to 18

15. Review Formal Amendment Process 4 methods
Federal Nature of the Process
27 Amendments
First 10 is the Bill of Rights
Looked at Later Amendments

16. Group Activity Page 74 – 75 Read the Enduring Constitution
Answer Questions 1 – 2 under Analyzing Time Lines

17. Home Work Chapter 3, Section 3 Page 82, Section 3 Assessment
Questions 1 - 4

18. Class Work
Handout: The Constitutional Convention, Read and answer questions
Turn in at End of Class