Congress' Role in Amending the Constitution

As the United States has continued to grow and face numerous challenges brought on through modern warfare, alliances, and technology, there has been a need for the Constitution to be amended or revised.  The Framers thought of a solution: citizens could add changes to the Constitution, however,  the Framers did not make it easy.  Although the federal government can add amendments, three-fourths of states have to ratify (approve)  every amendment. The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses agree it is necessary, may propose Amendments to the Constitution. Two thirds of the states must agree before congress may call a Convention for proposing Amendments. 

 

How do you amend the Constitution?

• In the congressional proposal method, two-thirds of both chambers of Congress must propose an amendment. The proposed amendment must then be ratified (approved) by three-fourths of state conventions or state legislatures, as chosen by Congress.
• In the state convention method,two-thirds of states ask Congress to organize a convention. The amendment is proposed at this meeting. The proposed amendment then must be ratified by three-fourths of state conventions or state legislatures, as chosen by Congress. This method has never been used to introduce an amendment.

 

Video Resource: Review the video below to learn more about process to make amendments to the U.S.  Constitution.

 

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