Can You Change The Constitution?

[p_p_man]

I'm always seeing references to the American Constitution and how sacrosanct it is but is it possible to change it or are you bound by rules written over 200 years ago?

Speaking as a Brit (we have no written Constitution but work on the law of precedent instead) it's something I've been meaning to ask for some time.

And if the Constitution can be changed what's the process?

 

[lavender]

 

[Siren]

I would correct you....

 

[Mischka]

Almost got it, lavender. Either 2/3 of both houses of Congress or 2/3 of the States may call for an amendment. Then, either 3/4 of state legislatures or 3/4 of state conventions have to ratify the amendment before it becomes a part of the Constitution. So far, all amendments have been ratified through the state legislatures. To date, 27 amendments have been added.

 

[lavender]

 

[WriterDom]

http://www.bigduck.com/AMMENDM.html

here they are if you are interested

 

[Mischka]

Thanks kiddo! I was hoping you'd take this one on for me.

I knew my pocket Constitution would come in handy one day.

 

[tuirin]

You can change or alter the consitution with a refferandium put to the people of that country

 

[Siren]

OMG Turin....please dont jump into these waters,,,

 

[p_p_man]

So let's see if I've got this right...

The Constitution as a whole is cast in stone whereas amendments to it can be made and have been in the past. A referendum can be put to the people to change the complete document.

Each State has its own Constitution but the original holds precedent if there is a conflict between the two.

Thanks I knew you lot wouldn't let me down.

Just one more thing adding up all the amendments that must have been made over the years how close is the amended Constitution to the original?

 

[Mischka]

I'm always seeing references to the American Constitution and how sacrosanct it is but is it possible to change it or are you bound by rules written over 200 years ago?

Now that we've outlined the process for amending the Constitution, p_p_man, I'll add what I know of why we have a Constitution. Our Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution in order to embody the basic principles of our government in one document. It simultaneously acts as the guiding force for all other laws created and limits the scope of what the federal government is allowed to do (at least in theory). After the American Revolution, the fledgling country was wary of too strong of a centralized government. The Constitution outlines the ideal balance between federal and state governments, and enumerates the basic freedoms and rights of the people. That is why Americans demonstrate such reverence for this one piece of paper.

 

[lavender]

 

[Mischka]

Re: So let's see if I've got this right...

The Constitution as a whole is cast in stone whereas amendments to it can be made and have been in the past. A referendum can be put to the people to change the complete document.

Just one more thing adding up all the amendments that must have been made over the years how close is the amended Constitution to the original?

Ignore what tuirin said. We cannot revamp the entire Constitution through a referendum. The amendments alter what is necessary.

Some amendments have substantially altered the original text - the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 19th gave women the right to vote. Other amendments are more procedural in their effect - direct election of the President, popular election of Senators. We've even had one amendment that overturned an earlier amendment - re-legalizing alcohol.

 

[Mischka]

Mischka hon! Don't practice for your exams on poor p_p_man.

Quick! What is the metaprinciple of the Constitution?

 

[lavender]

 

[Siren]

Hey Mish Mash....

 

[Mischka]

I can't help it, Siren. The Con Law exam is Thursday. I'm living, breathing, and eating this stuff.

And it's oblige the government to control itself, lavender.

 

[p_p_man]

Thanks again...

...now I feel I've got some knowledge on the subject I can quote this thread to all my friends over here next time we discuss America (a lot of the time) over a few beers at our local (all of the time)!

 

[lavender]

Mish Mash! hahahaha

 

[Siren]

Mish Mash......actually it is...

 

[Mischka]

May I say, p_p_man, that I adore your pubs. I do not care for American beers. [They contain rice solids and corn syrup. Can you imagine?!]. However, I spent a glorious week in London two years ago, and I visited a lot of pubs. Didn't meet a pint I didn't like.

 

[p_p_man]

Thanks Mischka..

...when I meet up with them later today (tomorrow for most of you) we'll quaff an ale or two for you, lavender, Siren, Writer Dom and tuirin who all contributed to our thirst for knowledge...

 

[lavender]

Re: Thanks Mischka..

 

[Siren]

Actually Lavender essence.....

 

[p_p_man]

Well he posted a link and it all helps...