Morgan Anderson 1st block

Amendment: Changes or improvements to the Constitution How do amendments get created?

An amendment may be proposed by a two-thirds vote in each house of congress and be ratified by threefourths of state legislatures. An amendment may be proposed by congress and then ratified by conventions, called for that purpose, in three fourths of states.

An amendment may be proposed by a national convention, called by congress at the request of two thirds of state legislatures.

An amendment may be proposed by a national convention and ratified by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

How this affects me The first amendment enables me to post personal opinions online without fear of legal action being taken against me or government arrest. It allows me to have a voice and allows me to express my beliefs freely. I see the effects of this amendment on a daily basis through my own use of social media such as Facebook and Reddit.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. How this affects me

The first amendment enables me to maintain freedom from religion and make my own choices concerning my beliefs. I exercise the first amendment by working on Sundays, which is in direct violation with the religious status quo of our union; Christianity. Im not forced to attend church or subscribe to Christian values or beliefs.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. How this affects me

The second amendment enables me to own a weapon for personal use and protection. Without it, I wouldnt be able to enjoy activities such as shooting ranges and hunting.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. How this affects me Through the protection of the 4th amendment, Im able to enjoy a level of privacy and partake in potentially illicit activities without the fear of police busting down my door. The 4th amendment protects my privacy and my lifestyle.

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
How this affects me Through the 18th amendment I will be able to vote when I turn 18. This affects me because even at 17 years old I need to start considering the political environment and determine my alignment and opinions.

The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution is hereby repealed.

How this affects me

While the 18th amendment prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol, the 21st enabled it. Through the 21st amendment I am able to legally enjoy an alcoholic beverage with my family and when I do turn 21 Ill be able to purchase and consume alcohol myself.

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
How this affects me

Through the 16th amendment my parents are required to pay the federal government a portion of their income based on their overall salary. This affects my familys financial situation because my parents have to incorporate the income tax into their yearly budget.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures. When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.
How this affects me

By means of the 17th amendment I am enabled to participate in a direct election for senators that will represent my interest in Congress. This gives me yet another voice in the political atmosphere.

If there was one amendment worth assessing and redetermining the relevance and necessity of it would be the 13th amendment which states Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. I think this is worth reassessing because slavery and civil rights are mostly irrelevant in the United States. Those victories were won centuries ago, and although allowing them a spot in the amendments is a testament to the success of those movements, in this contemporary day and age I dont believe its necessary to formally say so.

I believe its time we reassessed the civil liberties of LBGT community and provided them with equal rights, particularly, but not limited to, marriage. An amendment regarding this issue would read as follows: The United States congress hereby recognizes and bestows the unalienable right to marriage to citizens who identify themselves as homosexuals or otherwise provided they meet the established criteria for legal marriage. Congress maintains the right to enforce this policy should it be infringed upon.