This activity is part of Module 15: Article V and the 27 Amendments from the Constitution 101 Curriculum.
Now that you have learned about the mechanics of the Article V amendment process and about how reformers have used this process to change the Constitution, you will now get the opportunity to experience the process of pushing for a new amendment.
Follow the following steps to compete the activity.
Draft a proposed amendment to the Constitution.
Think of a right or freedom that you think needs to be protected,
or a function of the Constitution that needs to be revised, or a new power
(or limit on power) that should be written into the Constitution—historically,
these are the types of amendments that have been ratified.
Categories of Change
Many previous constitutional amendments made it through the ratification
process because one or more of the following factors applied.
Explain how your proposed amendment could connect to the following categories.
- Historical events
- Social movements
- Critics of the Constitution
- Controversial Supreme Court Decisions
- Lessons learned over time
- Other themes
Article V sets out several paths for amending the Constitution.
Which path will you prioritize, and why?
Building a Coalition
You will need broad national support to help get your amendment ratified.
List sponsors (possible groups, organizations, constituencies, political leaders,
opinion leaders, movement leaders, broader movements, etc.)
that will help advocate for your amendment.
Now it’s time to develop your pitch. Answer the following questions to help build your persuasive argument in favor of your amendment.
The Why
The opening story: Why is the amendment needed?
What issue/problem are you addressing? Why push for this reform through
a constitutional amendment rather than a different form of action?
The What
Your solution: What does your amendment do, and how
does your amendment address the issue that you first identified?
The Ask
What are you asking for other people, groups, etc., to do?
This could be different depending on who you are targeting. Do you need them to
contribute money, volunteer, call their congresspeople, or vote for something themselves?
