The Law of the Land

1
The Law of the Land

• What if its wrong?

2
Changing the Constitution

• Changing the Law of the Land is tougher than
  simply passing a bill.
• The Founders allowed for Amendments to be added
  if needed.

3
What is an Amendment?

• Any formal change to the Constitution.
• One amendment can have several changes in it.

4
Why add an Amendment?

• To overturn a Supreme Court ruling
• Ex 16th allowed income tax
• To force a change in society
• Ex 19th gave women right to vote
• To revise details of the Constitution
• Ex 25th explains whos in charge when President
  cant be

5
To Add an Amendment

• It must be proposed in
• Congress by a 2/3 vote OR
• a Constitutional Convention called by 2/3 of
  states
• Then, 3/4 of the states must ratify it.

6
Bill of Rights

• The first 10 amendments are called the BILL OF
  RIGHTS.
• They deal mainly with individual rights.
• Most of these rights apply to the judicial system.

7
Amendments

• There are 27 amendments to the Constitution.
• Prohibition of alcohol (18th) is the only
  amendment overturned by another (21st)
• Last one added in 1992.