1. Class Constitution!!!

2. Constitutional Convention

3. The US Constitution
The fundamental or organic law of the U.S., framed in 1787 by the Constitutional Convention. It went into effect March 4, 1789.
Within a few pages, a government, a nation, and a national identity were born!!

4. The US Constitution is based on basic principles and guidelines
Separation of Powers
Popular Rule/ Sovereignty
Checks and Balances
Federalism
Mixed Term Lengths
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branch
Bill of Rights (rights of the people) and….

5. Amendments!!
White board: What is an amendment?

6. Amendment?
A constitutional amendment is a change to the constitution of a nation or a state
Amendments require a special procedure different from that used for enacting ordinary laws.
The framers of the Constitution were aware that changes would be necessary if the Constitution was to endure as the nation grew.

7. The Amendment Process
Amendments must be proposed and then they must be ratified (passed).
Must have a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress.
*It must also be approved by three-fourths of states ; this is the process of ratification (must be approved by state legislature).

8. Notable Amendments
What is the 1st Amendment?
Hint: freedom

9. 1st Amendment
Right to freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition.
What is the 2nd Amendment?
Hint: right to…

10. 2nd Amendment Right to bear arms (guns) What is the 7th Amendment?
Hint: when you are accused of a crime you have a right to a…

11. 7th Amendment Assures trial by jury. What is the 13th Amendment?
Hint: it stopped something

12. 13th Amendment Abolishes slavery! What is the 19th Amendment?
Hint: suffrage

13. 19th Amendment
Prohibits the federal government and the states from forbidding any citizen to vote, gave women the right to vote!
What is the 26th Amendment?
Hint: lowered age required to…

14. 26th Amendment Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18!
How many Amendments are in the US constitution?

15. Now its your turn!!
In your group you will create an Amendment to the Class Constitution.
First you will write 3 ideas for an amendment you would want in the Constitution. (It can be anything you want as long as it doesn’t violate the school handbook!)

16. Next
Then pick your favorite and write 3 to 5 sentences arguing why it should be an Amendment.
Start this paragraph with, “We the people of Mr. Davis’ class”.
Then list 2 reasons why it would be a good Amendment.
And also list 1 reasons why it might be a bad Amendment.

17. We will vote on these Amendments!
The class will vote, your Amendment must have a two-thirds majority to be considered.
The law must be signed by Mr. Davis to be passed into law.
Mr. Davis has the right to veto any law.

18. Lets start!