The U S Constitution Changing it Changing with

The U. S. Constitution Changing it!

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

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) – 21 st Amendment

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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