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FrontPage : OL on your desk. Why is it important that we are able to amend the Constitution?. Last Word: OL 3.4 – Summarize all amendments for Wed. Amending the Constitution. The only constant, is change…. The US Constitution. Is the oldest written constitution still in effect
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FrontPage: OL on your desk. Why is it important that we are able to amend the Constitution? Last Word: OL 3.4 – Summarize all amendments for Wed.
Amending the Constitution The only constant, is change…
The US Constitution • Is the oldest written constitution still in effect **Why do you think the Constitution has been able to survive for 220 years? Why is the amendment process so important?
How can it be amended/changed? • What are the 2 steps in the amendment process?
Step 1: Proposing the Amendment… • What is the most common way that amendments are proposed? What is the method that has never been used?
Step 2:Ratifying the Amendment • Once an amendment has been officially proposed by Congress or a national convention, it must be sent to the 50 states for their approval. • There are 2 ways that states can ratify, or agree to, amendments…
Step 2: Ratifying Amendments • What is the most common way that states can ratify? • What is the method that has only been used once?
Who determines which ratification methods are used? • What else does Congress decide (in the text of the amendment?)
How many total amendments? • The first 10 amendments were ratified in 1791 • What were these called? • Since then, 17 amendments have been ratified for a total of 27
Evaluating Proposed Amendments • When considering whether you would support a proposed Constitutional amendment, there are 3 questions you should ask about the amendment… • Is there a “pressing need” in American society for the amendment? • Is the amendment consistent with American values and the values of the Constitution? (as you define them)? • What are the possible consequences (pro and con) if the amendment passes?