Amending the Constitution
st month, we talked about the first mendments to the Constitution. An dment is a change or addition. e first 10 amendments to the itution are called the Bill of Rights. They dded in 1791 to limit the power of the al government over the people.
w amendments are made
Congress can propose changes: dments can be proposed by a two-thirds f each house of Congress. All of our dments have been proposed this way. tates can propose changes: Two-thirds state legislatures, or lawmaking bodies, k Congress to call a national convention pose an amendment.
pealing an amendment
ngress can also use an amendment eal, or do away with, an earlier dment.
1919, the 18th Amendment banned anufacture, sale and transportation oholic beverages. In 1933, the 21st dment repealed the 18th, making it legal to make and sell liquor. t’s explore amendments six through 10.
Sixth Amendment
Lists the rights you have if you are ed with a crime. It guarantees: a speedy trial as soon as possible after rrest. a fair jury of citizens who live in the same area where the crime was supposedly committed.
a report of exactly what crime you are accused of.
an opportunity to defend yourself against any witness who testifies against you.
a lawyer to represent you, paid for by the government if you are unable to pay yourself.
Lt. Col. Michelle L.K. Raven gives instructions to the jury during a mock, or pretend, trial for students.
The Seventh Amendment
• Extends your right to a trial by jury in civil cases (dealing with disagreements between two people or people and their governments). Most of these disagreements are about money.
The Eighth Amendment
• The government cannot demand that a person pay bail or fines that are too high and unreasonable. Also, punishment for a crime cannot be cruel or unusual.
The Ninth Amendment
• Entitles citizens to rights not listed in the Constitution.
The Tenth Amendment
• Powers not given to the U.S. government are reserved to the states or to the people.