Lesson 6: Amending the Constitution

Introduction

Important Icon In this lesson, we will learn about the steps one must take to amend the Constitution. Important Icon

Focus Questions:

How is the Constitution amended?

Why is the process to amend the Constitution so complex? 

Amending the Constitution

The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. It is a set of rules and laws to tell how the United States is organized and run. It is the supreme law of the land. The Constitution is organized into three parts: the preamble, the articles, and the amendments. Article Five of the Constitution specifically describes the amendment process. The framers of the Constitution knew that the document may need to be revised or improved over time. Because of this, the Constitution is sometimes referred to as a “living document”.

The United States Constitution is a set of rules and laws that tell how the government is organized and run. It is not easy to amend the Constitution, but it is possible.

  In your journal:  Print the notes page and complete it as you go through the slides. If you do not have access to a printer, another option is to draw/write your notes page in your social studies journal.

Amending the Constitution Notes Download Amending the Constitution Notes

View the slideshow below to learn more about the amendment process.

Assignment

To wrap up our lesson, let us consider what we have learned about the amendment process. In the Flip assignment on the next page, record a response to the following question.

Do you think it is easy or hard to get an amendment added to the Constitution? Please explain and provide reasons for your answer.

Go to the next page to complete the Amending the Constitution Flip assignment

In order for an amendment to be added to the Constitution, a lengthy process must be completed. This helps ensure that the rights of individuals are protected while limiting government control.