Chapter 3: The Constitution "Amending the Constitution"

Introduction

Students have learned about the structure and principles of the Constitution as well as the methods of proposing and ratifying amendments to this document. This lesson gives students a closer look at the process of amending our nation's Constitution.

Lesson Description

Students will review the processes for amending the Constitution. They will examine several failed amendments, propose an amendment of their own, and devise a bill of rights for their school.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to describe the methods of proposing and ratifying amendments.
2. Students will be able to recognize the importance of the flexibility of the Constitution.

1. An amendment can be proposed by 2/3 of the members of both the House and Senate or by a convention called by 2/3 of the states. An amendment can be ratified by 3/4 of the state legislatures or by 3/4 of ratifying conventions in the states.
2. The Founders purposely made it difficult to amend the Constitution, believing that our nation had to be based on a stable constitutional structure that would create respect for the rule of law, and therefore they foresaw a limited need for amendments. Also, the flexibility built into the Constitution by the Framers has allowed it to adapt to changing times.
3. Unsuccessful amendments include: Campaign Finance Amendment; Electoral College Amendment; Equal Rights Amendment; Balanced Budget Amendment; Flag Desecration Amendment; Religious Equality Amendment. Students' choices and explanations will vary.
4. Students' amendments will vary.
5. Students' bills of rights will vary.