Lesson 73 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareHow Amendments Are Added
Amendments are changes or additions to the United States Constitution that allow it to evolve over time.
🎯 Your mission
Learn how the rule got made — and who it serves.
⚡ The twist
Not voting is also a vote.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
Amendments are changes or additions to the United States Constitution that allow it to evolve over time. To add an amendment, Congress must first propose it, either by a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. After that, the proposed amendment must be ratified, meaning it needs approval from three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions in the states. This process ensures that amendments are carefully considered before becoming law.
Key Facts
An amendment can be proposed by a two-thirds vote in Congress.
Three-fourths of state legislatures must approve an amendment for it to be ratified.
The amendment process allows the Constitution to adapt over time.
Timeline
Christopher Columbus reaches the Americas
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement, is founded
The Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is the first step in adding an amendment to the Constitution?
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?”
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