Week 9 of 32 • Page 4
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The Amendments
Changes to the Constitution are called amendments . Today, there are 27 amendments to the Constitution of the United States. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights . They are not the only amendments that have been made over the years. Among other things, amendments have made slavery illegal, given women the right to vote, and established the voting age as 18.
Congress sets up the process for states to ratify , or approve, an amendment. Three-fourths of the states must pass it. The system of checks and balances helps make sure all voices are heard. Citizens can voice their ideas about amendments to their elected officials. This gives the people a voice in the government.
Part of the U.S. Constitution is a section known as the Bill of Rights. The Declaration of Independence spoke of the liberty and freedom of people. The Bill of Rights lists things the government is not allowed to do. This protects the liberty and freedom of the people. The Bill of Rights also explains how the government is to act in protecting the people’s liberty and freedom. The Bill of Rights
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