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Changing the Constitution

Changing the Constitution. The Founders Intentions. Constitution does not change as an expression of basic & timeless personal liberties Cannot take away those things that are naturally guaranteed to each of us However, it should be flexible to adapt to changing conditions and times.

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Changing the Constitution

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  1. Changing the Constitution

  2. The Founders Intentions • Constitution does not change as an expression of basic & timeless personal liberties Cannot take away those things that are naturally guaranteed to each of us • However, it should be flexible to adapt to changing conditions and times

  3. 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress Thousands introduced; 31 passed by Congress; (27 later ratified) 2/3 of states’ legislatures This method has never been used Proposing New Amendments

  4. Must receive ¾ of the state legislatures to agree to it Ratification must take place in a “reasonable time” 27th Amendment = 203 years Today, seven year period is the standard Could also receive ¾ of the states during a ratifying convention Only used during the 21st Amendment which repealed prohibition Ratifying the Amendments

  5. Ratifying Politics • The framers wanted the ratification process to be difficult • The people have multiple chances to voice their opinions and influence their representatives

  6. Equal Rights Amendment • Section 1—Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex • Section 2—The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provision of this article • Section 3—The amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification

  7. Equal Rights Amendment • Proposed March 22, 1972 • Congress extended final deadline for 3 years • Died June 30, 1982—three states short of the 38 needed

  8. Favored by Betty Friedan—change the view and stereotypes of women NOW made passage their central mission All of the Presidents (Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan) 450 organizations with 50 million members Opposition Led byPhyllis Schlafly Argued that women could be drafted, forced to join labor force, would not receive child support or alimony. Abortion became also became a central issue—Congress could regulate and compel public funding Equal Rights Amendment

  9. Strengthen national government Weaken national government Limit the power of states Expand the electorate (voters) Reduce the power of the electorate Make changes in the machinery of the government Protect the rights of the individual Categories of Amendments

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