11. Amending the Constitution 11. Amending the Constitution

The Amendment Process There are essentially two ways spelled out in the Constitution for how to propose an amendment.

The first method is for a proposal to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two- thirds majority in each.

Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments.

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.

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.

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.

The President does not have a role in the formal amendment process. He cannot veto an amendment proposal, nor a ratification.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION Proposing an Amendment Ratifying an Amendment 1. A two-thirds vote of each house of Congress

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

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

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