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11. Amending the Constitution 11. Amending the Constitution
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The Amendment Process There are essentially two ways spelled out in the Constitution for how to propose an amendment.
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The first method is for a proposal to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two- thirds majority in each.
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Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments.
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Because of some long outstanding amendments, such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit for the bill to be approved as an amendment The 27th Amendment to the Constitution, on May 7, 1992, 203 years after it was proposed: No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
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The second method prescribed is for a Constitutional Convention to be called by two-thirds of the legislatures of the States, and for that Convention to propose one or more amendments.
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These amendments are then sent to the states to be approved by three-fourths of the legislatures or conventions. This route has never been taken.
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The President does not have a role in the formal amendment process. He cannot veto an amendment proposal, nor a ratification.
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AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION Proposing an Amendment Ratifying an Amendment 1. A two-thirds vote of each house of Congress
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AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION Proposing an Amendment Ratifying an Amendment 1. A two-thirds vote of each house of Congress 2. A national convention called by Congress at the request of two- thirds of the states
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AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION Proposing an Amendment Ratifying an Amendment 1. A two-thirds vote of each house of Congress 2. A national convention called by Congress at the request of two- thirds of the states 1. Legislatures in three-fourths of the states ratify an amendment
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AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION Proposing an Amendment Ratifying an Amendment 1. A two-thirds vote of each house of Congress 2. A national convention called by Congress at the request of two- thirds of the states 1. Legislatures in three-fourths of the states ratify an amendment 2. Each state calls a special ratifying convention; the amendment becomes part of the Constitution when three-fourths of these conventions approve it
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