United States Government: Democracy in Action

Chapter 3: The Constitution

Student Web Activity

Introduction
Amazingly, in 1787 the Founders created a Constitution that could be adapted to an unknown future. One way they provided for change was to describe how Congress and the states could amend the Constitution. In this activity, you will learn about the amendment process, the history behind the amendments that were ratified, which amendments failed, and some proposed amendments.

Destination Title: U.S. Constitution Online

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for Tips.

Directions
• Read "The Amendment Process" and "Informal Amendment" on the initial screen.
• Scroll back to the top and click on "History Behind the Ratified Amendments." Read through the information.
• Use the back arrow and then click on "The Failed Amendments." Read through the information.
• Use the back arrow and click on "Some Proposed Amendments." Read through the information.

Use the information you found to answer the following questions.

1
Which process of amendment proposal has been used? Which process of ratification has been used for all amendments except one?
2
What are two main ways that the interpretation of the Constitution can change?
3
What problems did the Seventeenth Amendment try to overcome? What issue arose after it was ratified?
4
Identify one proposed amendment or one failed amendment you think should have been ratified. Explain why.
5
Use the Web page "History Behind the Ratified Amendments" to create a "Time Line of Amendments." Include a short historical summary of each amendment on your time line.
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