The Amendments

Focus Question:

•Why is it important to be able to make changes to the Constitution?

The Amendment Process

•The Framers wanted to insure that the Constitution would last

•Prepare a method to amend the Constitution that gave the nation stability

•Over time, the Constitution has been amended 27 times.

The Amendments

•Bill of Rights▫First 10 amendments▫Outline our basic rights as citizens▫Passed through a deal with Virginia

The Amendments (II)

•Structural Changes▫Correct problems within the Constitution

Electoral College “Lame Duck” Amendment Direct Election of Senators Presidential Term Limits

The Amendments (III)

•Expanding the definition of citizenship▫Civil War Amendments▫Suffrage Amendments

No restriction on racial/ethnic origin No restriction on gender 18 year old vote Poll tax

Amendments (IV)

•Overturn Supreme Court Decisions▫Lawsuits against states▫African-American citizenship▫Income Taxes

Amendments (V)

•Moral Issues▫Abolition▫Prohibition (repealed)