Basics of Amendments
A formal change or addition to the Constitution.
What is an amendment?
How many houses of Congress must approve an amendment in the first method?
Two-thirds of both houses.
How many states must approve an amendment for it to be ratified?
Three-fourths of the states.
Which amendment abolished slavery?
The 13th Amendment.
What fraction is needed to propose an amendment?
Two-thirds.
How many steps are there to pass an amendment?
Two steps: proposal and ratification.
Who can propose an amendment besides Congress?
Two-thirds of state legislatures can call a convention.
What is the second method of ratification?
Special state conventions.
Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech?
The 1st Amendment.
What fraction is needed to ratify an amendment?
Three-fourths.
Why does the Constitution need amendments?
To allow it to adapt to societal changes and protect rights.
Has the state convention method ever been used?
No, it has never been used.
How many states is three-fourths of the U.S.?
38 out of 50 states.
Which amendment gave women the right to vote?
The 19th Amendment.
How many amendments are in the U.S. Constitution?
27 amendments.
What are the first ten amendments called?
The Bill of Rights.
What fraction of Congress is needed to propose an amendment?
Two-thirds.
Which method of ratification has only been used once?
State conventions.
Which amendment lowered the voting age to 18?
The 26th Amendment.
Can both the federal government and states propose amendments?
Yes, both can propose amendments.