One way to change the Constitution is through a joint resolution passed by two-thirds of both houses in Congress.
This allows for proposed changes which are then sent out as requests all across America with an appeals process if necessary before they become law. But can you change the second amendment?
Another method, instead of applying directly from states towards amendment proposals themselves; rather goes through what’s called “conventions” – where these applications come directly from state legislatures demanding such action upon sufficient demand.
Can You Change The Second Amendment?
The right to bear arms is a fundamental one, but it’s not enough reason alone for citizens of the United States.
Mass Shootings are happening with increasing frequency in America.
After each tragedy, people call on Congress & Federal Government to intervene by passing legislation or implementing regulations that they believe will prevent such events from ever occurring again.
While at times debate shifts towards mental health reform because many killers had psychological problems going unnoticed.
The Framers wanted to ensure that the Constitution could not be changed too easily.
They knew a Charter written for all Americans, but with an easy path to changing it would become just another piece of legal paperwork and lose its meaning as such–a thing from long ago instead of something currently happening today.
The People have rights in this country; they’re even guaranteed by our founding fathers who put together what is considered one tough document: “No taxes without representation!” But there are qualifications for those privileges.
Constitution Has Adaptive Nature
The Founding Fathers were forward-thinking men who envisioned our nation’s future.
They intended for the Constitution to evolve with time, reflecting society’s progress and new rights that people desired while still preserving some aspects from centuries ago such as slavery or women not having many freedoms outside their homes!
“The institutions of our society must evolve along with the human race, or they will become outdated and obsolete.
We might as well wear clothes from centuries ago if we want to stay connected in any way,” said Thomas Jefferson during an 1800s Memorial Day Address where he discussed how change is necessary.”
Altering the Constitution is not stress-free
The votes are being cast! The amendment process has finally arrived at a crossroads, with passage relying on Congress or state legislatures.
If two-thirds of each house agrees to propose an Article V Convention for proposing new additions/amendments it will be sent out across America for consideration by another set of the jury who can either support them outright or vote against their proposal.
The federal government is currently debating whether to open a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments.
If this were successful, any proposed change would have been approved by a three-fourths majority in each state within an “appropriate” period or time limit that has not yet been defined.
But Congress attached some controversial deadlines when they legislated on these matters previously so it’s likely there will be no changes made without their consent first!
Amendments imitate Everybody’s value
The country’s deeply-held principles are reflected in many amendments, like the 22nd which limits presidents to two terms and curtails entrenched power.
Others show how long hard-fought struggles for equality have resulted in successful changes with respect to voting rights being gained through suffrage at last century’s end as well as other milestones that took place then such as making alcohol illegal after its consumption was decriminalized before World War I began.
On the other hand, women received equal recognition under the law by becoming able-bodied citizens alongside men during the reconstruction era hardships following civil war endings.
Yet others seem more temporary interests–the 18th Amendment led us into Prohibition lasting almost a hundred years until it was finally repealed.
It Can Take Long Or Not, Depends
The reduction in the voting age from 21 to 18 was met with much controversy, but its legacy continues today.
The 26th Amendment passed after World War II when America needed an inspired workforce again so that slogan “old enough to fight” made sense then too.
Only now do we know how important this generation is towards democracy! Congress finally reached a compromise and set aside states’ rights for federal elections which became law on December 30, 1970.
However not all were pleased by such liberalization as Representative Gurney submitted his resignations over disagreeing grounds.
The 26th Amendment was finally adopted on July 1, 1971, when it became law after being passed by both houses of Congress and approved with an overwhelming 94–0 majority in the Senate just eight days earlier.
Five states successfully ratified this change at that same time – including Virginia which transpired five seconds before midnight tonight!
This Age Has Complicated Amendments
The Equal Rights Amendment or ERA was a proposed amendment that would have forbidden discrimination against women on the basis of their sex. It passed Congress and became law in 1972 with a seven-year deadline for ratification from state legislatures.
However, within one year this period had ended without any additional states having approved it meaning there were now only 38 total needed electoral college votes (38 differs by less than 1%).
But, over time more representations joined those who originally supported gender equality until finally, Virginia stepped up as well making them reach the 3/4th majority.
The ERA has been a long and arduous fight to get this far, but it’s not over yet. Legal battles continue over whether states can vibration their ratifications of the amendment or Congress may make rules for removing time limits on how quickly pieces like these must be submitted (or even if they exist).
The Constitution doesn’t offer any easy answers here either – which just goes right back into why we need better gender equality!
Imprecise language
The Founders were confident that the people would be able to understand their rights, so they made them as open-ended and general terms as possible.
This helps us protect these freedoms in times when we need them most by giving specific instructions for every argument, there’s always another interpretation!
The Founders could not have predicted the technology that would come along in their lifetimes, but they certainly had enough vision to protect us from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Winkler notes how an itemized list of specific rights might be convenient—but it also limits society’s needs by excluding those things we may decide is important later on down the line!
FAQ’s
Can any amendment be changed?
What would happen if the 2nd amendment was taken away?
The First Amendment protects speech rights such as religion but also regulates false statements made by individuals so they do no harm with any potential consequences.