1. AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION Method most often used: 1.) Propose (suggest) change by 2/3 of both House of Representatives and US Senate. 2.) Ratify (approve/pass) by ¾ of legislature of the states 38/50 states) Bill of Rights – first 10 Amendments to the Constitution; added to insure protection of individual rights.

2. The rights guaranteed by… # 1 RAPPS! (freedom of Religion, right to Assemble, right to Protest, freedom of the Press, freedom of Speech!) #2 Right to bear arms (carry weapons). #5 Due process (rules/law must be followed for all); rights of the accused (no self-incrimination) #8 No cruel or unusual punishment #10 States’ Rights; Reserved powers

3. The rights guaranteed by… #15 – Can’t be denied the right to vote due to race, color, previous servitude (slavery) #17 Direct election of senators (by the people) #19 Women suffrage (vote) #23 Electoral votes Washington, DC #26 Voting age lowered to 18

4. FLEXIBILITY IN THE CONSTITUTION - allows for document to adapt to changing times 1787…..2010!!! a.Amendments – help to include more citizens’ rights under the Constitution b.Judicial Interpretations – “watchdog” of laws and lower court decisions to insure Constitution is being followed. c.Elastic Clause – gives Federal gov’t ability to expand its power in order carry out “necessary” delegated powers (jobs).

5. The Unwritten Constitution (Not included in Constitution, but have become an important part of how our government works!!!) a.The President’s Cabinet – advises; head of Executive Branch Departments b.Political Parties – important role in election process c.Committees in Congress – organizes Congress ; hold hearings, discuss, and evaluate each bill d.Judicial Review – not originally in Constitution, but important protection of principles of Constitution.

6. Checks and Balances (See highlighted C & B sheet) To prevent any branch from becoming too powerful LEGISLATIVE BRANCH CHECKS... Can override president’s veto ( Checks Executive Branch) Must approve appointment of federal judges (Checks Judicial Branch) EXECUTIVE BRANCH CHECKS… Can veto laws (Checks Legislative Branch) Must appoint Judges and may grant pardons (Checks on Judicial Branch) JUDICIAL BRANCH CHECKS… Can declare laws unconstitutional ( Checks Legislative) Can declare actions unconstitutional (Checks Executive)