Amending the Constitution

The two-thirds majority vote

Also called as the "supermajority" vote. A two-thirds majority means that the number of votes for a proposition or candidate must equal or exceed twice the number of votes against it.

True or False: You don't have to know the basics of U.S. history and government or how to speak, read, or write to become a citizen.

False. It is required to know about U.S. history and how to speak, read, or write to become a citizen.

True or False: The constitution can never be changed or amended even if the people think it is necessary.

False. You can add amendments or change them as long as you go through the process of proposing and ratifying amendments.

True or False: You need at least 3/4 vote of congress to pass an amendment proposal.

False. You only need 2/3 vote of Congress.

What was the process of amending the Constitution?

First, the proposal by congress (by two-thirds votes of both houses) or proposal from a convention called by two-thirds of the states is passed. The proposal is then sent to the state legislatures.

What was the purpose in amending the Constitution?

The Constitution can be changed or amended when it is deemed necessary by the people to adjust to changing times and to maintain a "living" document.

Amendment Proposal is when...

The amendment is proposed by a vote of two-thirds of both houses in Congress and the 2/3 state legislatures call for a national convention.

Amendment Ratification is when...

The amendment proposed is ratified by 3/4 (38) of the state's legislatures and when 3/4 (38) states at the conventions agree.

Constitution

The supreme law of the land in the United States. Written in 1787.

True or False: To ratify an amendment, you first need to propose it

True

True or False: To ratify an amendment, you need the approval of 3/4 state legislatures and 3/4 approval at a state convention.

True

True or False: You have to be at least 18 and have lived as a legal immigrant in the U.S. for a certain period of time to become a citizen.

True

True or False: You have to have "good moral character" and have not been convicted of certain crimes and have an attachment to the U.S. Constitution to become a citizen.

True