The Nation Amends the Constitution
The Nation Amends the Constitution is a Grade 5 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 6: A New Nation. Students learn how the Framers built a two-step amendment process requiring a two-thirds vote in Congress followed by ratification by three-fourths of states, ensuring any changes to the Constitution have widespread national support.
Key Concepts
The Framers knew the United States would change, so they created a way to update the Constitution. They made sure any changes would have widespread support from across the country.
First, a new idea must get a two thirds vote in Congress . If it passes, the proposal goes to the states for approval. Three fourths of the states must ratify, or agree to, the change.
Common Questions
How is the Constitution amended?
Amending the Constitution requires two steps: first, a two-thirds vote in Congress approves the proposed change. Then, three-fourths of the states must ratify, or agree to, the amendment.
Why did the Framers make the amendment process difficult?
The Framers made the process challenging to ensure any changes would have widespread support from across the country, preventing changes from being made without strong national agreement.
What is a constitutional amendment?
A constitutional amendment is a change that successfully completes the two-step process of congressional approval and state ratification. Amendments allow the Constitution to adapt to new challenges over time.
What textbook covers constitutional amendments for Grade 5?
This topic is covered in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 5, Chapter 6: A New Nation.