U2 P5

Question 1

Formal Amendment Process for the Constitution: First Step

Answer 1

A) Two-step process outlined in Article V; actually changes wording of Const.

B) First step is Proposal: the proposed amendment needs approval from
​1) two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress OR
2) a national constitutional convention called by request of two-thirds of state legislatures (#2 never actually used).

Question 2

Formal Amendment Process for the Constitution: Second Step

Answer 2

Second step is Ratification: the proposed amendment must be approved by
​1) three-fourths of the states (38) OR
​2) three-fourths of special state conventions
​​(#2 used only once).

Question 3

Formal Amendment Process

Answer 3

D) Modern practice is to include a time limit for ratification (typically 7 years).
E) The Constitution has been formally amended only 27 times.
F) Slower, costlier, more complicated but popular method.

Question 4

Informal Amendments; Federal Court Decisions

Answer 4

The judicial review power enables the courts to interpret (and expand) Federal power (Example: the Supreme Court gives itself the power of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison). Most common type of informal amendment.

Question 5

Informal Amendments; Acts of Congress

Answer 5

Necessary & Proper Clause enables Congress to expand its powers (Example: paper money).

Question 6

Informal Amendments: Presidential Actions

Answer 6

The treaties he negotiates become “the supreme law of the land” (Example: the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993).

Question 7

Informal Amendments: Political Parties

Answer 7

changed the way elections are held (Example: the Electoral College, intended to be independent, is now a rubber-stamp body).

Question 8

Informal Amendments: Social Changes/ Custom

Answer 8

Examples include the diversity of the Cabinet and Supreme Court.

Question 9

Informal Amendments

Answer 9

Def.: No Const. wording change; Faster, cheaper, easier, but less popular