Amending the Constitution
Last month, we talked about the first five amendments to the Constitution. An amendment is a change or addition.
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. They were added in 1791 to limit the power of the national government over the people.
How amendments are made
• Congress can propose changes: Amendments can be proposed by a two-thirds vote of each house of Congress. All of our amendments have been proposed this way. • States can propose changes: Two-thirds of the state legislatures, or lawmaking bodies, can ask Congress to call a national convention to propose an amendment.
Repealing an amendment
Congress can also use an amendment to repeal, or do away with, an earlier amendment.
In 1919, the 18th Amendment banned the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcoholic beverages. In 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th, making it legal again to make and sell liquor.
Let’s explore amendments six through 10.
The Sixth Amendment
• Lists the rights you have if you are charged with a crime. It guarantees: a speedy trial as soon as possible after your arrest. 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.
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.