U. S. Government: Democracy In Action

"Amending the Constitution"

Introduction

In this chapter you learned about the structure and principles of the Constitution as well as the methods of proposing and ratifying amendments to this document. Because the Constitution is flexible and can change as the needs of the country change, it is a "living document." This activity will give you a closer look at the process of amending our nation's Constitution.

Destination Title: The Constitution Project

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Directions
Start at The Constitution Project's Web site about Constitutional amendments.

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  Scroll down the page to read about the amendment process.
  
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  Return to the top of the page and click on Constitutional Amendments Considered in the 104th and 105th Congresses.
  
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  Explore the information, taking notes as you go.
  

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1			In what two ways can amendments be proposed? In what two ways can amendments be ratified?
2			Twenty-seven amendments to the Constitution is not a very large number. Why have there been so few amendments made to the Constitution?
3			List some of the amendments proposed to Congress that have been unsuccessful. Choose one and explain why you think it should or should not have been ratified.
4			Describe an amendment you would like to see made to the Constitution. Make a list of three reasons why your amendment should be ratified.
5			As you have learned, the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. On a separate sheet of paper, develop a bill of rights for your school. Make a list of 5 to 10 reasonable rights and responsibilities for students and teachers at your school.