Constitutional Amendments

Constitutional amendments are central to the ongoing discussion about the U.S. Constitution’s flexibility and relevance. Here are some highlights based on expert discussions:

1. Challenges and Processes:

   • Constitutional Convention: Terry Moe explains the difficulties and uncertainties in calling for a constitutional convention, including concerns about its scope and potential for unforeseen changes [1].
   • Amendment Approval: Ben Shapiro outlines Article Five, highlighting that amendments require a two-thirds majority in Congress or state legislatures, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states [2].

2. Historical Context and Impact:

   • Long-lasting Document: Franita Tolson discusses the Constitution’s dual nature—conservative in protecting foundational ideas but progressive through its allowance for change [2].
   • Supreme Court’s Role: Tolson also emphasizes that much of the constitutional evolution has been driven by Supreme Court interpretations, which can effectively alter its application without formal amendments [2].

3. Modern Relevance and Criticisms:

   • Outdated Structures: Douglas Macgregor argues that while the Constitution was designed in the 1780s, it's becoming less relevant for modern governance, suggesting a need to rethink its structure [3].
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       Constitutional Amendment Challenges

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       2

       Amendments and Interpretation

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       3

       Rethinking Elections

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       4

       Democracy and Fear

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       5

       Constitutional Quandaries

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   • Debate and Discussion: David Mamet underscores the importance of bipartisan debate and adherence to constitutional rules to prevent authoritarianism [4].

4. Specific Amendments:

   • Recent Amendments: The most recent, the 27th Amendment in 1992, dealt with congressional salaries. Tolson points out its significance despite the long period since the last amendment [5].
   • Rapid Ratification: The 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18, was adopted swiftly in response to Vietnam War-era concerns about the draft and voting rights [5].

These discussions highlight both the enduring significance and the challenging processes surrounding constitutional amendments, with a range of expert perspectives on how and why the Constitution evolves over time.