Amending the Constitution Part 7 – pg 138

Pg 138 Although the Framers were happy with how they had written the Constitution, not all were happy with it The first changes were made in 1791 when the Bill of Rights were added Article 5 lays out how the Constitution may be amended (changed)

The Amending Process There are 4 ways to change the Constitution Pg 138 The Amending Process There are 4 ways to change the Constitution 2 procedures for proposing amendments 2 procedures for ratifying amendments

Proposing an Amendment Pg 138 Proposing an Amendment Congress can propose an amendment if both the House and Senate vote for a change to the Constitution Each of the 27 amendments have been proposed this way Or the legislatures of 34 states must call for a national convention to formally propose an amendment

Ratifying an Amendment Pg 138 Ratifying an Amendment An amendment can be ratified by a yes vote from at least 38 states 26 of the 27 amendment have been passed this way Or an amendment can be ratified through action of state conventions (special meetings that are called to address specific issues) The 21st amendment was ratified this way

Pg 139 The Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) addresses the freedoms guaranteed to citizens