Seminar One Essay Test The first method is for a bill to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Due to some long outstanding amendments, Congress will normally put a time limit for the bill to be approved as an amendment which is typically seven years. The second method prescribed is for a Constitutional Convention to be called by two-thirds of the legislatures of the States, and for that Convention to propose one or more amendments. These amendments are then sent to the states to be approved by three-fourths of the legislatures or conventions. Regardless of which of the two proposal routes is taken, the amendment must be ratified, or approved, by three-fourths of states. There are two ways to do this, too. The text of the amendment may specify whether the bill must be passed by the state legislatures or by a state convention. The Bill of Rights were passed due to the fact that the Federalists basically horse traded with several states to get the constitution ratified. It still was no easy task getting the Bill of Rights ratified. James Madison had to go through and pick out the best ideas from state conventions as he drafted the Bill of Rights. The rights protected individuals from the federal government trampling their rights. Due to the recent war with England and the oppression of the King fresh in mind the Bill of Rights was passed. This in large was due to the fact most of the country was small farmers that feared wealthy elitists would control the power of the government and trample their rights. The equal rights amendment was specifically geared towards the rights of women and that is more of a social dysfunction than a need for an amendment. Especially today the Bill of Rights applies to all people, no