Amending the Constitution
What is method #2 to amending the Constitution?
- A Constitutional Convention to be called for by ⅔ (33) of the state legislatures - At such a convention one or more amendments can be proposed and then sent to the state legislatures (or state conventions) for approval - Again ¾ of the state legislatures must approve - Proposed by the Constitutional Convention (⅔ of states) (NOT Congress) (Method for the states to be able to amend the Constitution without Congress, don't want one group to have too much power) - Ratified the same way as the 1st method = ¾ of states
What is an amendment?
- A change (addition or subtraction) in the Constitution - Drawn out in Article 5 of the Constitution
What is method #1 to amending the Constitution?
- ⅔ of each house to pass a proposed amendment and send it to the states' legislatures - It takes 3/4 (38) states' approval in order for it to be added to the Constitution - to propose = ⅔ of Congress, after proposal it need to be ratified/passed by ¾ of states (gives power to the states)
Which amending method has never been successfully used?
Method #2