Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is an amendment?
What is an amendment?
A written change to the Constitution.
What does it mean to repeal?
What does it mean to repeal?
Cancel.
What is the Cabinet?
What is the Cabinet?
The leaders of the executive departments, who also act as advisers to the president.
What are two ways in which an amendment to the Constitution can be proposed?
What are two ways in which an amendment to the Constitution can be proposed?
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What are two ways in which an amendment may be ratified?
What are two ways in which an amendment may be ratified?
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The U.S. Constitution can be called an '______ document' because it can meet changing conditions and needs of the country.
The U.S. Constitution can be called an '______ document' because it can meet changing conditions and needs of the country.
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The Constitution can be adapted to meet changing needs in two ways: ______ and ______.
The Constitution can be adapted to meet changing needs in two ways: ______ and ______.
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An _____ is a written change to the Constitution.
An _____ is a written change to the Constitution.
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The section of the Constitution that outlines the process for changing the Constitution is _____.
The section of the Constitution that outlines the process for changing the Constitution is _____.
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Formal approval by the states of a change to the Constitution is known as _____.
Formal approval by the states of a change to the Constitution is known as _____.
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If the people do not like the effects of an amendment, the amendment can be _____.
If the people do not like the effects of an amendment, the amendment can be _____.
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_____ sometimes interprets the Constitution in new ways to expand its authority to pass a certain law.
_____ sometimes interprets the Constitution in new ways to expand its authority to pass a certain law.
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The _____ decides if new interpretations of the Constitution are legal.
The _____ decides if new interpretations of the Constitution are legal.
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The president's _____, or group of advisers, is an example of a change in the federal government that came about through custom and tradition.
The president's _____, or group of advisers, is an example of a change in the federal government that came about through custom and tradition.
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Traditions of the federal government that are passed down through history are sometimes called the _____ Constitution.
Traditions of the federal government that are passed down through history are sometimes called the _____ Constitution.
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Unfortunately, the Constitution is not an enduring document.
Unfortunately, the Constitution is not an enduring document.
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Amendment is one of the ways the Constitution and the government can respond to the changing needs of the country.
Amendment is one of the ways the Constitution and the government can respond to the changing needs of the country.
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An amendment is a written change made to the Constitution.
An amendment is a written change made to the Constitution.
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Only the president needs to approve an amendment for it to be written into the Constitution.
Only the president needs to approve an amendment for it to be written into the Constitution.
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Two thirds of the states can ask Congress to call a national convention to propose an amendment; however, this method has never been used successfully.
Two thirds of the states can ask Congress to call a national convention to propose an amendment; however, this method has never been used successfully.
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The word ratify means to reject.
The word ratify means to reject.
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Most of the amendments that have been approved have been sent to the state legislatures for approval.
Most of the amendments that have been approved have been sent to the state legislatures for approval.
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An amendment cannot be canceled if the people decide they do not like the effect it is having on the country.
An amendment cannot be canceled if the people decide they do not like the effect it is having on the country.
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Many traditions observed by the government are part of an unwritten constitution.
Many traditions observed by the government are part of an unwritten constitution.
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The president meets regularly with his cabinet.
The president meets regularly with his cabinet.
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The U.S. Constitution can be considered a 'living document'.
The U.S. Constitution can be considered a 'living document'.
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The framers of the Constitution made it easy to change the document.
The framers of the Constitution made it easy to change the document.
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Study Notes
Key Terms and Definitions
- Amendment: A formal change or addition to the Constitution.
- Repeal: The act of canceling or revoking a law or amendment.
- Cabinet: Comprised of leaders from the executive departments who advise the president.
Amendment Proposal and Ratification
- An amendment can be proposed by either:
- A two-thirds vote from Congress in both houses.
- A request from two-thirds of state legislatures (34 out of 50) to convene a national convention.
- Ratification methods:
- Approval by state legislatures, utilized for almost all amendments.
- Approval by state conventions.
Constitution Characteristics
- Described as an enduring document due to its ability to adapt to changing national needs.
- Adaptation can occur:
- Formally through amendments.
- Informally via government actions or customary practices.
Constitutional Articles
- Article V: Specifies the process for Constitutional amendments.
- Formal approval of an amendment is termed as being ratified.
Amendment Effects
- If an amendment has negative consequences, it can be repealed.
- Congress may reinterpret the Constitution to extend its legislative powers.
Judicial Oversight
- The Judicial Branch ensures legality of new Constitutional interpretations.
Executive Custom
- The president's cabinet exemplifies changes in government arising from traditions.
Unwritten Traditions
- Long-standing federal government practices are referred to as the unwritten Constitution.
True or False Statements
- The Constitution is indeed an enduring document.
- Amendments enable the Constitution to respond to evolving societal needs.
- Amendments require more than just presidential approval.
- Two-thirds of the states can request a national convention to propose amendments, though this has not been effectively used.
- Ratification does not equal rejection.
- Most approved amendments were submitted to state legislatures.
- Amendments can be canceled if their impacts are unfavorable.
- Many governmental traditions contribute to the unwritten Constitution.
- The president regularly convenes with the cabinet.
- The Constitution is considered a living document, but this assertion is disputed.
- The framers intended for the Constitution to be changeable, but it was made deliberately challenging.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key terms and concepts from History Chapter 3, Section 3. This quiz includes important vocabulary such as 'Amendment', 'Repeal', and 'Cabinet', along with their definitions. Great for review and preparation for exams!
