Amending the Constitution The Constitution has been formally amended 27 times in the 220 years of its existence. The first 10 were ratified in the first 2 years the Constitution was in place. The Framers provided 4 methods to formally amend the Constitution.

The 4 methods are: The 4 methods are: Method 1 = Amendment proposed by Congress by a 2/3 vote in both houses. The Amendment is then ratified when State Legislatures in ¾ of the states approve it. Method 2 = Amendment proposed by Congress by a 2/3 vote in both houses. The Amendment is then ratified when Conventions in ¾ of the states approve it.

Amendment Methods Cont’d Method 3 = Amendment proposed at a National Convention called by Congress when 2/3 of State Legislatures request one. The Amendment is ratified when it is approved by ¾ of the State Legislatures.

Method 4 = Amendment proposed at a National Convention called by Congress when 2/3 of State Legislatures request one. The Amendment is ratified when ¾ of State Conventions approve it.

What do these methods have in common? 2/3 of Congress to propose the amendment. ¾ of States needed approve an amendment.

Fun Facts about the Amendments 26 of 27 amendments were adopted using Method 1. Only the 21 st amendment used Method 2. Methods 3 and 4 have never been used.

The first 10 Amendments make up the Bill of Rights The first 10 Amendments make up the Bill of Rights Amendment 1 = Freedom of: Religion Speech Press Assembly Petition

Amendment 2 = Right to Bear Arms A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. elaws/22ndedition/illinois.pdf

Amendment 3 No quartering of soldiers required during time of peace Quartering means? Being forced to keep soldiers in your house.

Amendment 4 Protects people against illegal searches and seizures. Search warrants are required and need to be specific. To get a search the warrant the government needs to show Probable cause.

Rights of the Accused Amendment 5 = protects citizens due process rights including criminal proceedings and eminent domain.

Amendment 6 = guarantees a speedy public jury trial in which the accused can confront witnesses against him/her and have the assistance of an attorney.

Civil Rights Amendment 7 = Right to a jury trial in Civil Cases. Amendment 8 = Protects citizens against cruel, unusual or excessive punishment. Amendment 9 = Protects all basic rights of citizens even if not mentioned specifically in the Constitution.

Amendment 10 = Powers reserved to the States. This is an example of which basic principle? Federalism, remember division of powers between state and national government.

The rest of the Amendments Amendments 11 and 12 = working out the kinks of the new government. Amendment 13: ended slavery Amendment 14: equal protection of the laws Amendment 15: black suffrage

Amendment 16 = Income tax Amendment 17 = Popular election of Senators (1913) Amendment 18 = Prohibition

“Recent Amendments” Amendments 19, 23, 24, and 26 all increased voting rights. Amendment 19: women Amendment 23: D.C. given electoral votes Amendment 24: ended poll tax Amendment 26: 18 year-olds

Amendment 21 repealed Prohibition Amendments 20, 22, 25 all involved changes in Presidential issues. Amendment 27 concerns change in the pay of Congress.