Step-by-step explanation:
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Part 1: Amendment Process Chart
Here's a chart outlining the process that an amendment has to follow to become part of the Constitution:
| **Step** | **Description** |
|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Proposal | - Amendment proposed by either: |
| | 1. A two-thirds majority in both houses |
| | of Congress |
| | 2. A national constitutional convention |
| | - Proposed amendment sent to the states |
| Ratification | - Three-fourths (38 out of 50) of state |
| | legislatures or conventions must approve |
| | the amendment |
Part 2: Answers to Questions
Why did the Founding Fathers create an amendment process for the Constitution?
The Founding Fathers created an amendment process for the Constitution to ensure that the document could adapt and evolve over time to meet the changing needs and values of the nation. They recognized that a static Constitution might become obsolete or fail to address future challenges. The amendment process allowed for the incorporation of new laws and principles while maintaining the fundamental framework of the Constitution.
Why did they make the amendment process difficult to complete?
The Founding Fathers made the amendment process difficult intentionally to ensure that any changes to the Constitution were not undertaken lightly. They wanted to ensure that amendments had widespread support and were not subject to the whims of a temporary majority. The difficulty in completing the process with a two-thirds majority in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states was intended to provide a high bar, preventing frequent or hasty amendments that could destabilize the government.
Part 3: Amendments Affecting Americans' Participation in Government
Here are three amendments and how each affected Americans' participation in government:
1. **15th Amendment (1870):** This amendment prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous servitude. It expanded the right to vote to African American men, significantly enhancing their participation in the political process.
2. **19th Amendment (1920):** The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, ending gender-based discrimination in voting. This greatly increased the participation of women in the democratic process and was a significant step toward gender equality.
3. **26th Amendment (1971):** The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, granting younger Americans the right to vote. This change recognized the participation of young adults in society and allowed them to have a say in government decisions at an earlier age.
I hope this helps! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.