What are the two methods to propose a constitutional amendment?

What are the two methods to propose a constitutional amendment?

• A. A simple majority vote in one house of Congress
• B. Two-thirds majority vote in both houses or a convention by two-thirds of states
• C. A unanimous vote by state legislatures
• D. An executive order from the President

Answer: (B)

The process for proposing a constitutional amendment is established in Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The correct method involves either a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress or a convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. This dual approach ensures that there is broad support for any proposed amendment, whether through direct congressional action or via the states' initiative. The requirement for a two-thirds majority in Congress signifies that a significant portion of the federal legislative body agrees on the need for change, reflecting a strong national consensus. The alternative method, a convention called by the states, offers a pathway for significant grassroots or regional advocacy to lead to an amendment, encouraging involvement from states in the constitutional process. Other methods mentioned, like a simple majority vote in one house, a unanimous vote by state legislatures, or an executive order from the President, do not align with the procedures outlined in the Constitution for amending it. These methods would lack the necessary checks and balances built into the amendment process, which seeks to avoid changes based solely on fleeting political majorities or unilateral executive action.

The process for proposing a constitutional amendment is established in Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The correct method involves either a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress or a convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures.

This dual approach ensures that there is broad support for any proposed amendment, whether through direct congressional action or via the states' initiative. The requirement for a two-thirds majority in Congress signifies that a significant portion of the federal legislative body agrees on the need for change, reflecting a strong national consensus. The alternative method, a convention called by the states, offers a pathway for significant grassroots or regional advocacy to lead to an amendment, encouraging involvement from states in the constitutional process.

Other methods mentioned, like a simple majority vote in one house, a unanimous vote by state legislatures, or an executive order from the President, do not align with the procedures outlined in the Constitution for amending it. These methods would lack the necessary checks and balances built into the amendment process, which seeks to avoid changes based solely on fleeting political majorities or unilateral executive action.