The U.S. Constitution

1. The U.S. Constitution Changing it!

2. Changing with the Times • The amendment process allows the Constitution to adapt to the changing needs of our nation and society • Gone from an agrarian society of 4 million to a high-tech society of 317 million • Portions of USC have been added, deleted, or altered as a result of the 27 amendments

3. The Amendment Process • Article V of the Constitution describes the amendment process. • Amendments are proposed by: • 2/3 vote of each house of Congress (26/27) • By a national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures (1/27) • 21st Amendment

4. Amendment Process • Amendments must be ratified: • ¾ of state legislatures • By conventions of ¾ of the states.

5. How does the federal amendment process reflect the concept of federalism? • Amendments are proposed at the national level and ratified at the state level by legislatures or conventions. • State can reject an amendment and later decide to ratify it. • Can’t change its mind after it votes to ratify it. • President can’t veto an amendment.

6. Popular Sovereignty • Amendment process is based on Popular Sovereignty • People elect reps that vote to propose and ratify amendments • Supreme Court has ruled that States can’t require a proposed amendment be approved by popular vote before state legislature can ratify it.

7. What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights? • They spell out the basic rights and liberties of all Americans

8. Proposed Amendments • Most suggested amendments are never proposed by Congress • Only 33 out of some 15,000 suggested amendments sent to states • Six proposed amendments were not ratified by the states • Congress can set a time limit for ratification – usually seven years.

9. Proposed but not Ratified • 1 – set membership of House; 1789 • 2. no nobility granted – lose citizenship: 1810 • 3. slave amendment :1861 • 4. Child Labor Amendment :1924 • 5. Equal Rights Amendment – ERA:1972 • 6. Washington DC –representation in Congress.: 1978

10. The 27 Amendments • Amendments proposed in response to legal disputes, social conflicts, or perceived constitutional problems • 1-10 – 1791 – Bill of Rights

11. 27 Amendments • 11th – 1795 – states are immune from certain lawsuits • 12th – 1804 – changes in electoral college procedures • 13th – 1865 – abolition of slavery • 14th – 1868 – citizenship, equal protection, and due process • 15th – 1870 – gave black men the right to vote

12. 27 Amendments • 16th – 1913 – Gave Congress the power to collect income tax • 17th – 1913 – popular election of U.S. Senators • 18th – 1919 - prohibition of Alcohol • 19th – 1920 – women’s suffrage • 20th – 1933 –changes dates for presidential and congressional terms • 21st – 1933 – repeal of 18th

13. 27 Amendments • 22nd – 1951 – limit of presidential terms • 23rd – 1961 – District of Columbia allowed to vote in presidential elections • 24th – 1964 – ban on poll taxes • 25th – 1967 – presidential succession, vice presidential vacancy – presidential disability • 26th – 1971 – voting age lowered to 18 • 27th – 1992 –Congress can’t vote itself a pay raise.