THE AMENDMENT PROCESS

THE AMENDMENT PROCESS

1. PROPOSAL

   • Proposed by 2/3 vote of Congress (Senate and House Of Reps)
   • Proposal by 2/3 vote of national convention (called by Congress on request of 2/3 of state legislature) -NEVER BEEN USED-

2. RATIFICATION

   • Passage by 3/4 of state legislature -USED 26 TIMES-
   • Passage by 3/4 of special state conventions -USED ONCE TO REPEAL PROHIBITION (AMENDMENT 21)-

3. WHY HAS THE CONSTITUTION BEEN RARELY AMENDED ?

   • Amendment process is deliberately difficult
   • Constitution os unspecific (Example - provide for the common defence and general warfare)
   • Judicial review interprets the Constitution and can effectively change meaning ("interpretive amendments")
   • Prohibition is a lesson (Amend with caution)