Lesson 73 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareHow Amendments Are Added
The process of adding amendments to the United States Constitution is outlined in Article V.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
The process of adding amendments to the United States Constitution is outlined in Article V. To propose an amendment, either two-thirds of both houses of Congress must agree or two-thirds of the state legislatures can call for a constitutional convention. Once proposed, an amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions within the states. This rigorous process ensures that only amendments with widespread support become part of the Constitution, reflecting the will of the people.
Key Facts
Amendments can be proposed by Congress or a national convention.
Ratification requires approval from three-fourths of the states.
The amendment process is intentionally challenging to ensure stability.
Timeline
The Civil War ends; slavery is abolished
The Transcontinental Railroad is completed
Women gain the right to vote (19th Amendment)
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is the minimum requirement for an amendment to be proposed in Congress?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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