Explain in detail the two ways the Constitution can be amended and provide an example of why the Constitution would need to be amended.
Please feel free to use the sentence structure below!
The Constitution can be amended in two ways. The first way is_____________. The second way is_____________ An example of why the Constitution would need to be amended is______________. (Be sure to add examples here and explain in detail)
(4 points)
The Constitution can be amended in two ways. The first way is through the proposal of amendments by Congress, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Once the proposed amendment is passed by Congress, it is sent to the states for ratification. The second way is through a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. This method has never been used to amend the Constitution.
An example of why the Constitution would need to be amended is to address societal changes and ensure that it remains a relevant and functional document. For instance, the 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery in the United States. This amendment was necessary to address the issue of slavery, which was prevalent at the time and contradicted the principles of freedom and equality that the Constitution sought to uphold. The 13th Amendment fundamentally changed the Constitution by outlawing a deeply rooted and morally reprehensible institution, reflecting the evolving values and needs of society.
Another example of why the Constitution would need to be amended is to clarify or expand upon certain provisions to resolve ambiguity or address unforeseen circumstances. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote. This amendment was necessary to explicitly guarantee women's suffrage as there was ambiguity in the Constitution regarding voting rights. By explicitly stating that the right to vote cannot be denied based on gender, the 19th Amendment addressed a significant inequality and expanded the scope of democratic participation in the United States.
In summary, the Constitution can be amended through proposals by Congress or through a constitutional convention. Amendments are necessary to adapt to societal changes, correct injustices, clarify provisions, and address unforeseen circumstances. The examples of the 13th Amendment and the 19th Amendment demonstrate how amendments have been used to abolish slavery and grant voting rights, respectively, in order to ensure that the Constitution reflects the values and needs of an evolving nation.