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Framework of Government: Exercise 5 - Changing the U.S. Constitution and interpreting its meaning
Instructions:
Read the passage and click on the correct answer. If wrong, try
again. Scroll down if you do not see the Answer box. Click
here to review the key terms for this exercise.
The U.S. Constitution outlines the structure of the government,
and explains the principles and rules for how the American government should work. Written
in 1787, it reflects the values and concerns of its writers—the founders of our country.
However, the founders also understood that society changes over time, and the rules governing
society need the flexibility to change, also. So, as part of the Constitution, they included
ways to change and adapt it. In fact, the Constitution has commonly been called a "living
document," a document that grows and changes.
The only way the actual text of the Constitution can be changed
is through amendments. An amendment is a formal addition (Art. V) to the
U.S. Constitution. To add an amendment to the Constitution, first there must be a formal proposal
(recommendation), usually introduced by Congress. Second, the amendment must be ratified (passed)
by at least three fourths of the 50 states. There are two ways for states to ratify amendments—by
state legislatures or state conventions (large formal meetings).
Although thousands of constitutional amendments have been introduced
in Congress since the Constitution was written, only 27 amendments
have been ratified and added to the Constitution. The founders deliberately
(on purpose) made amending the Constitution a difficult process.
They wanted to make certain the basic principles and structure established
in the Constitution would remain unchanged.
Instructions:
Read the passage and click on the correct answer. If wrong, try
again. Scroll down if you do not see the Answer box. 
