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Article V of the U.S. Constitution sets out two ways for amending the Constitution. The first, which is the only method that has ever been used, is through Congress, which has the power to propose amendments to the states when two-thirds of the members of Congress vote in favor. The second method of amendment is through a convention (or "Article V convention") to propose amendments requested by the states. When two-thirds of the state legislatures make requests to Congress, then Congress is obligated to call an Article V convention. The convention only has the power to propose amendments, just like Congress. The framers of the Constitution included this second method of amending the Constitution because they were afraid that there would come a time when Congress was corrupt and refused to propose needed amendments. They thus also gave power to amend to the states, so that the states could circumvent Congress if it ever became corrupt and unresponsive to the will of the people.

After an amendment has been proposed by Congress or by an Article V convention, it then goes to the states for ratification. An amendment only becomes a part of the Constitution if it is ratified by three-fourths of the states.
There are two ways to change the Constitution of the United States, formally and informally.

There are several ways to informally change the Constitution. One example is Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. It is known as the "elastic clause" because it "stretches" the power of Congress. This gives Congress the power to pass laws considered "necessary and proper" for carrying out the other powers of Congress. The development of political parties, political custom, and tradition are also informal ways to change the Constitution. For example, the Constitution says nothing about the President's Cabinet to help him/her make decisions. This was begun by Washington and developed over the years by presidents who felt they needed special advisors for various subjects.

The Amendment process is the formal way to change the Constitution. An amendment may be proposed by two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Ratification of an amendment takes three-fourths of the states to approve.

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(1) passing laws to spell out the Constitution's brief provisions, and

(2) the way in which it has used the powers given to it by the Constitution.

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Q: What are two ways in which congress has formally amended the constitution?
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Amendments can be proposed by?

An amendment to the Constitution can be proposed in two ways; either through Congress or through a Constitutional Convention.


In what two general ways does Congress reshape the Constitution?

The Constitution may undergo changes with a Constitutional Amendment or Constitutional Convention. The Supreme Court may not actually make changes to the Constitution, but may interpret the lines of the Constitution differently as time passes.


What two ways can the US Constitution be amended to meet changing needs in the USA?

The US Constitution can be changed to meet changes in the nation and the world by the Amendment process. There are two methods to do this as described in the Constitution. One is for a proposed change to have the support of two thirds of the US Congress to agree upon the proposal. Following that, three fourths of the States must also approve it. The other way is a method whereby a Convention is held by two thirds of the State legislatures. Once that has happened, then again, three fourths of the States must approve the proposed amendment.


Is Congress effective or ineffective?

i believe that congress is very effectie in many ways but it is also ineffective in many ways


In what ways was the Constitutional Congress lacking in authority?

The delegates to the Constitutional Convention were not authorized to write a new Constitution. They were only supposed to propose amendments to the Articles of Confederation. In that sense they had no authority at all to write a whole new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Related questions

What are three ways the constitution can be amended?

1. Amendments 2. Interpretation 3. Custom


In what ways does the constitution limit congress's powers?

The Constitution limits Congress's power in multiple ways. For instance, the President can veto legislature passed by the Congress, while the Judicial branch can overturn Congress's laws by ruling them unconstitutional.


In what ways does the constitution limit congress powers?

The Constitution limits Congress's power in multiple ways. For instance, the President can veto legislature passed by the Congress, while the Judicial branch can overturn Congress's laws by ruling them unconstitutional.


What two ways can the Constitution be amended?

There are two ways to change the Constitution of the United States, formally and informally. There are several ways to informally change the Constitution. One example is Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. It is known as the "elastic clause" because it "stretches" the power of Congress. This gives Congress the power to pass laws considered "necessary and proper" for carrying out the other powers of Congress. The development of political parties, political custom, and tradition are also informal ways to change the Constitution. For example, the Constitution says nothing about the President's Cabinet to help him/her make decisions. This was begun by Washington and developed over the years by presidents who felt they needed special advisors for various subjects. The Amendment process is the formal way to change the Constitution. An amendment may be proposed by two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Ratification of an amendment takes three-fourths of the states to approve.


What are the two ways Senators and Representatives are bound by the Constitution?

Members of Congress are bound by oath or affirmation to the Constitution.


The foreign affairs powers of congress come from the constitution and the what?

The United States Constitution divides foreign policy powers, there are six basic ways in which Congress can originate or shape foreign policy


How many ways are outlined by the constitution for the amendment to be?

Amending the Constitution is a 2-step process, which includes the proposal, and the ratification. There are 2 ways an amendment can be proposed, either by Congress, or by the States.


How can the constitution be altered?

There are two different ways that the US Constitution can be amended. Either both houses of Congress can agree by a two third majority that a change needs to take place, or two thirds of the states can call for a convention, which will provide a forum to discuss changing the Constitution.


Why would the Constitution of the US be changed?

There are two ways to change the Constitution of the United States, formally and informally. There are several ways to informally change the Constitution. One example is Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. It is known as the “elastic clause” because it “stretches” the power of Congress. This gives Congress the power to pass laws considered “necessary and proper” for carrying out the other powers of Congress. The development of political parties, political custom, and tradition are also informal ways to change the Constitution. For example, the Constitution says nothing about the President’s Cabinet to help him/her make decisions. This was begun by Washington and developed over the years by presidents who felt they needed special advisors for various subjects. The Amendment process is the formal way to change the Constitution. An amendment may be proposed by two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Ratification of an amendment takes three-fourths of the states to approve.


What can change the U.S. Constitution?

There are two ways to change the Constitution of the United States, formally and informally. There are several ways to informally change the Constitution. One example is Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. It is known as the “elastic clause” because it “stretches” the power of Congress. This gives Congress the power to pass laws considered “necessary and proper” for carrying out the other powers of Congress. The development of political parties, political custom, and tradition are also informal ways to change the Constitution. For example, the Constitution says nothing about the President’s Cabinet to help him/her make decisions. This was begun by Washington and developed over the years by presidents who felt they needed special advisors for various subjects. The Amendment process is the formal way to change the Constitution. An amendment may be proposed by two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Ratification of an amendment takes three-fourths of the states to approve.


What are ways that the Constitution is used today?

It is in use everyday by courts, congress, and the people voting for officials.


In lay-mans terms how do you amend the constitution?

There are two ways to change the Constitution of the United States, formally and informally. There are several ways to informally change the Constitution. One example is Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. It is known as the "elastic clause" because it "stretches" the power of Congress. This gives Congress the power to pass laws considered "necessary and proper" for carrying out the other powers of Congress. The development of political parties, political custom, and tradition are also informal ways to change the Constitution. For example, the Constitution says nothing about the President's Cabinet to help him/her make decisions. This was begun by Washington and developed over the years by presidents who felt they needed special advisors for various subjects. The Amendment process is the formal way to change the Constitution. An amendment may be proposed by two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. Ratification of an amendment takes three-fourths of the states to approve.