Explain and describe some ways in which the constitution changed since it was written

Answer 1

Hi Leslie,

The easiest way to answer this question is by stating the 27 Amendments are all changes to the Constitution. If you're looking for a more broad theme to some of these changes, I will help identify some of those changes.

There are amendments protecting the individual rights of citizens. Prior to ratifying the Constitution, the Anti-Federalists demanded the attachment of the Bill of Rights. The Anti-Federalists feared a strong, central government because it reminded them too much of the former unitary system of government under the British monarch. As a result, the Bill of Rights, amendments 1-10, are all meant to further specify and protect the individual rights of citizens from the federal government. Many of these protections are valued by Americans on daily basis. For example, the First Amendment assures free speech, press, petition, assembly, and religion. Fourth Amendment assures no illegal search and seizure. The Sixth Amendment assures a citizens' right to legal counsel.

There are also the Civil War Amendments 13, 14, and 15. Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery, Fourteenth Amendment assured equal protection under the law for all citizens, and the Fifteenth Amendment guaranteed all men (despite race) were eligible to vote.

There are voting rights amendments. The Fifteen Amendment expanded voting rights to all men. The Seventeenth Amendment guaranteed the direct election of Senators (this allowed for a more democratic election process). The Nineteenth Amendment secured women's suffrage. The Twenty-fourth Amendment banned poll taxes. The Twenty-sixth Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Hope this was helpful!

Georgette

Answer 2

Hi Leslie,

The easiest answer to your question begins with the amendments to the Constitution. The Constitution was first amended with the addition of the Bill of Rights, which included our first 10 amendments (1st amendment was freedom of speech, and so on).

I recommend that you look up the constitution and its 27 amendments. This way, you can decide which topics to choose for yourself.

Best of luck to you,

Troy Palmer