 Though most of their complaints did not result in changes , a couple did . Mason succeeded in adding " high crimes and misdemeanors " to the impeachment clause . Gerry also convinced the Convention to include a second method for ratification of amendments . The report out of the Committee of Detail had included only one mechanism for constitutional amendment , in which two @-@ thirds of the states had to ask Congress to convene a convention for consideration of amendments . Upon Gerry 's urging , the Convention added back the Virginia Plan 's original method whereby Congress would propose amendments that the states would then ratify . All amendments to the Constitution have been made through this latter method . 
