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)
The first way the Constitution can be amended is through formal amendment. This method requires a specific process outlined in Article V of the Constitution. It entails proposing an amendment either by a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or by a national convention called by Congress on the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Once proposed, the amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by special state conventions called for that purpose.
The second way the Constitution can be amended is through informal amendment. This method involves changes in the interpretation and application of constitutional provisions by various branches of government, mainly the judiciary. Informal amendments can also occur through social and cultural evolution, where shifts in societal values and norms lead to changes in how constitutional principles are understood and applied.
An example of why the Constitution would need to be amended is the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Until its ratification in 1920, women were denied this fundamental democratic right. The suffrage movement advocated for this amendment, arguing that women should have equal political participation and representation. This amendment was necessary to rectify an inherent inequality in the Constitution and reflect changing societal values regarding gender equality.
Another example is the 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. This amendment was a response to the Vietnam War, as young men aged 18 were being drafted and sent to fight and die for their country without having the right to vote. It was seen as a contradiction to deny them voting rights while they were subject to military conscription. The 26th Amendment aimed to rectify this discrepancy and ensure equal suffrage for all citizens aged 18 and older.
In both these examples, the Constitution needed to be amended to address issues of inequality and fairness, reflecting changing societal attitudes and needs. These amendments highlight the importance of the amendment process in allowing the Constitution to adapt and evolve while upholding its core principles and values.