Blog 2.3

Blog 2.3

1.What changed about Virginia's government in last week's elections?

Democrats took control of both houses as a result of last week’s elections.

2. What would the Equal Rights Amendment proposed in 1972 do?

It guarantees equal rights despite an individual’s sex.

3. How many states ratified the amendment when it was originally proposed?  What states have ratified it recently?

Originally, 35 states ratified the amendment when it was proposed. Recently, 2 other states have ratified it, which makes the count increase to 37.

4. According to the constitution, why is it necessary to have a 38th state ratify the amendment?

There must be ⅔ of states in favor of ratification.

5. What stipulation for its ratification did Congress add to the proposal in the 1970s?

It was given a seven year deadline to be ratified.

6. How did the Virginia legislature vote on ratification of the ERA last year? 

It was rejected by the GOP controlled legislature.

7. How can Congress change the ratification deadline from 1982 to now?

Congress could vote to change the deadline to now.

8. How does the 27th Amendment provide an example that this amendment could be ratified now?

It displays that community organizing and strategy could lead to adding the 27th Amendment to the Constitution.