Lesson 41 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareHow Amendments Are Added
The process of adding amendments to the Constitution is outlined in Article V.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.
Mind = Blown
🤯 In ancient Athens, 'democracy' only included about 10% of the people.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
The process of adding amendments to the Constitution is outlined in Article V. To propose an amendment, either two-thirds of both houses of Congress must agree or a national convention can be called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Once proposed, an amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the states to become part of the Constitution. This careful process ensures that changes can be made to the Constitution, but only with broad support from both federal and state governments.
Key Facts
Amendments can be proposed by Congress or a national convention.
Three-fourths of the states must ratify an amendment for it to become law.
This process ensures that changes to the Constitution have widespread support.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2How can an amendment be proposed?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
Next Smart Lesson
We'll pick a lesson that matches exactly where your understanding is right now.
Share this lesson
Send it to a parent looking for a 5-minute “why does that matter?” conversation starter.