Knowledge check - Amendment Process and Other Amendments

Why are amendments to the U.S. Constitution rare? 

• The judicial branch blocks unnecessary amendments. 

• The executive branch must work with the legislature to approve amendments. 

• Amendments require the consent of more lawmakers than other laws. 

• Amendments must be written by members of multiple states. 

Which statement describes one of the two ways that constitutional amendments can be proposed? 

• They can be proposed by a two-thirds vote of the Supreme Court. 

• They can be proposed by two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress. 

• They can be proposed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. 

• They can be proposed by two-thirds vote of the House of Representatives. 

A Constitutional Amendment is

Proposed by 2/3rds of Congress

What is one way that constitutional amendments proposed in the manner described can be ratified?

• approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures 

• approval by three-fourths of the U.S. Supreme Court 

• approval by three-fourths of the state governors  

• approval by three-fourths of the U.S. Senate 

Read the information and answer the question below.  

The right of citizens of the United States to vote [...] shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax. 

–Twenty-fourth Amendment, U.S. Constitution 

How did this amendment affect citizens' rights? 

• It expanded voting rights to women. 

• It expanded voting rights to immigrants.  

• It expanded voting rights to poor minorities.  

• It expanded voting rights to young people.  

What do the Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-sixth Amendments have in common?

• They all expanded the right to bear arms. 

• They all expanded private property rights. 

• They all expanded freedom of speech. 

• They all expanded the right to vote. 

Read the excerpt below from the Bill of Rights and answer the following question. 

No person shall be . . . deprived of . . . property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. 

Which statement best explains why this provision is important in a democracy? 

• Property rights prevent government corruption. 

• Property rights preserve social equality. 

• Property rights promote economic freedom. 

• Property rights protect political rights. 

Read the following information and answer the question below. 

In Miranda v. Arizona (1966), the Supreme Court ruled that if accused persons have not been informed of their right to remain silent, then any statements they have made may not be used as evidence against them.  

How did this ruling impact constitutional rights? 

• It expanded the right to free speech. 

• It expanded protections against self-incrimination. 

• It expanded the right to have an attorney. 

• It expanded protections against unlawful searches. 

To be ratifies how many states must approve a proposed amendment to the Constitution?

• half

• two- thirds

• all

• three fourths

Which statement describes an impact of the " due process" and "equal protection" clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

• Women were guaranteed the right to vote in all states

• African- American freedmen were guaranteed the right to vote.

• Americans were protected by the abuses by state governments

• Opponents of the government no longer feared forced internment

Why is freedom so important to a democraticI government?

• It keeps citizens informed about acts of their government leaders

• It helps government officials keep track of public opinion

• It provides a place where candidates can advertise in election campaigns

• It keeps talented and creative writers employed