Big 10 Amendments/Restricting Rights

What is the process of proposing amendments to the Constitution?

• A petition signed by 50% of the population

• Approval by the President and the Supreme Court

• A simple majority vote in the House of Representatives

• Two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures

Who has the authority to propose amendments to the Constitution?

• The Supreme Court

• Congress

• The President

• State Governors

What is the ratification process for a proposed amendment?

• Approval by two-thirds of the state legislatures

• Approval by a majority of the state legislatures

• Approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states

• Approval by the President and Congress

What is an ex-post facto law?

• A law made after the session of Congress ends?

• A law which was passed "after the fact" that the crime was committed.

• A law that is unconstitutional

• A law that is not ratified by three-fourths of the states

What is a "writ of habeas corpus"?

• The law that says anyone arrested is innocent until proven guilty

• The law that says anyone arrested must surrender all of their personal property

• The law that says anyone arrested must be given bond

• The law that says anyone arrested must be told of the crimes they are being charged with.

When is "Freedom of Speech" limited?

• It can never be limited.

• When it endangers others.

• When someone uses vulgarity.

• When you say "Fire!" in an empty theater.

How can states influence the amendment process?

• By organizing a protest in the capital

• By creating a new political party

• By proposing amendments through a constitutional convention or by petitioning Congress for a convention

• By sending a letter to the President

What are some challenges in amending the Constitution?

• Lack of interest from the public

• Easy process with no obstacles

• Supermajority requirement, consensus building, political opposition

• Unanimous agreement among all political parties

Why is it difficult to amend the Constitution?

• Because the government does not want any changes to be made to the Constitution

• The process to amend the Constitution is intentionally difficult to ensure that changes are carefully considered and not made lightly.

• Because the process to amend the Constitution is very easy and straightforward

• Because the Constitution is perfect and should never be changed