Constitutional Amendments

Constitutional Amendments Synopsis

On September 17, 1787, our Nation's Founders signed the Constitution drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The Constitution was a new and ambitious experiment in self-governance. It is the oldest and shortest constitution the world has ever known and laid the foundation for our country to become the freest, most powerful, and most successful nation in history.

Article V sets out two procedures for amending the Constitution. First, Congress may propose amendments by two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate. Second, two-thirds of the state legislatures may call a convention for proposing amendments, though this has not happened to date.

Under either procedure, three-fourths of the states must ratify an amendment for it to become part of the Constitution. This book provides background information and resources for locating historical, recent, and current proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States.