The Amendment Process Lesson

The Amendment Process

This lesson will help you complete your notes on the amendment process. As you work through the lesson, you will be filling in the information on both sides of your graphic organizer, so make sure to read carefully and DON'T RUSH!

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Directions

I can explain the process of amending the Constitution

Learning Target

Multiple Choice

What is the learning target for today's lesson?

• I can explain why the Constitution was written

• I can explain the process of amending the Constitution

• I can explain why we have a Bill of Rights

• All of the above

Drag and Drop

Key Vocab Preview: Match each of the following terms with the correct definition

amendment -

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ratify -

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legislature -

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Congress -

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Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

a change to an official document

to approve an official change

the law-making body of the government

another name for the national legislature

to reject a law

a proposed law

Why is the Constitution considered a "living document"? Write a response at the top of your graphic organizer.

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Quick Write

Add to your graphic organizer!

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Multiple Choice

What is an "amendment"?

• a law

• something everyone should follow

• an official change made to a Constitution or official document

• an agreement between two or more countries

The article on the following slide will help you to better understand the process of how amendments are added to the Constitution.

Read the article carefully. As you read, fill in the front side of your graphic organizer.

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Amendment Process Reading.pdf - Google Drive

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Multiple Select

An amendment can be proposed by (choose all that apply)

• a 2/3 vote in BOTH houses of Congress

• 3/4 of the state legislatures

• A national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures

• 3/4 of the states holding special ratification conventions

Multiple Select

An amendment can be ratified, or approved, by (choose all that apply)

• a 2/3 vote in BOTH houses of Congress

• 3/4 of the state legislatures

• A national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures

• 3/4 of the states holding special ratification conventions

Open Ended

Why do you think multiple methods can be used to propose and ratify amendments to the Constitution? Hint: Look up the word "federalism" if you are not sure!

The video on the next slide will explain why the founding fathers made our Constitution so difficult to amend. Complete this part of your graphic organizer as you watch the video.

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Watch

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Multiple Choice

Reflect: Why did the founding fathers make the Constitution so difficult to amend?

• To ensure stability and prevent quick, unnecessary changes.

• To allow for frequent updates and changes.
• To simplify the process of legal adjustments.
• To encourage rapid shifts in governance.

​Keep adding to your notes!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is easier to pass: a law or an amendment?

• a law

• an amendment

• neither one is easier to pass than the other

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between a law and an amendment?

• An amendment requires approval by the president but a law does not

• The legislative branch is included in law-making but not when proposing an amendment

• a law only requires a majority approval from Congress whereas an amendment requires 2/3 approval of Congress

• Laws are meant to give people more rights and the government less power, but amendments help to keep order

Examples

Amendments vs.
Laws

Time for some practice...

Multiple Choice

Changes to the Constitution

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Gives people more rights and the government less power

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Rules created and enforced by the government

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Ex. you have the right to remain silent when accused of a crime

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Requires approval of 2/3 of BOTH houses of Congress

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Created to maintain peace and keep order in society

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Ex. Whoever knowingly obstructs the passage of mail will be fined or imprisoned for no more than 6 months

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Requires a majority vote from BOTH houses of Congress

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Must be ratified, or approved, by the states

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

27 have been ratified since the Constitution was written

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Apply to ALL U.S. citizens

• Amendments

• Laws

Multiple Choice

Can be made at the federal, state, and local levels

• Amendments

• Laws

Open Ended

What is one question you still have after the lesson today?

Check in with Mr. Lamers now that you are done. Bring your completed graphic organizer with you!