AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

Objective- discuss the ways the Constitution can, and has, been changed over the past 200 years.

Content Vocab Ratify- to approve Petition- appeal to Impeach- to accuse federal officials Executive Agreement- made directly b/w

two leaders without Senate approval

Changing the Constitution Through Amendments

The Amendment Process Article V of the Constitution outlines

the Amendment process

Proposing AmendmentsTwo Methods

1. A 2/3rds vote in both houses of Congress (only method that has been used)

2. A National Convention called by Congress at request of 2/3rds of the states (never been used)

Ratifying AmendmentsTwo Methods

1. 3/4ths of the states needed to ratify the Amendment (used all but once)

2. Each state calls a convention and 3/4ths approve it (used only once- 21st Amendment)

Informal Changes to the Constitution

Changes Through Law Congress has changed the

Constitution by passing laws. Congress expanded the Executive

Branch by creating cabinet departments Congress expanded the Judicial Branch

by creating additional federal courts

Informal Presidential Changes1. Foreign Affairs- presidents conduct

foreign affairs by executive agreement instead of a Treaty. Treaties require Senate approval, executive agreements do not.

2. Domestic Affairs- The Constitution gives the executive power to carry out laws, however, recently presidents request legislation from Congress

Judicial ReviewJudicial Restraint- the courts should avoid taking initiative on social and political questions

Judicial Activism- the courts should play a role in shaping national policies (Example- Warren Court from 1953-1969)

Changing Court Rulings Laws can be changed by overruling

previous court decisionsExample: Broad v Board of Education,1954 overturned Plessey v Ferguson, 1896

* Pro-lifers are still waiting for Roe v Wade to be overturned*

Changes Through Customs and Past PracticeExample: political parties are not mentioned in the Constitution, but soon after evolved and are now are an important part of our government