Describe the constitutional amendment process.

• A. Proposals by two-thirds of Congress or a national convention; ratification by three-fourths of the states.
• B. Proposals by the President; ratification by simple majority of states.
• C. Proposals by the Supreme Court; ratification by popular vote.
• D. Proposals by state governors; ratification by Congress.

Answer: (A)

Amendments need a two-step process with broad consensus. First, an amendment must be proposed either by two-thirds of both houses of Congress or by a national convention called by two-thirds of the states. Once proposed, it moves to the states for ratification, and it requires three-fourths of the states to approve. Those ratifications can come either through state legislatures or through ratifying conventions. The President can’t propose amendments, and the Supreme Court has no formal role in the amendment process. Likewise, ratification isn’t decided by a simple majority or by popular vote; it must reach that supermajority at the state level.