answersLogoWhite

0

There are 2 ways to amend the U.S. Constitution.

The first way is for both houses of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) to propose a constitutional amendment. This requires a 2/3 vote in each house. Once this happens, the proposed amendment is submitted to the states for ratification. The legislatures of 3/4 of the states must ratify the amendment, within a certain period if specified. At this point, it becomes part of the Constitution.* The president has no official role in amending the Constitution (he doesn't have to sign the amendment for it to take effect, and can do nothing to defeat a constitutional amendment once it has passed). Of course, unofficially, presidents can use their political clout to influence public opinion one way or another, which can affect the chances of a constitutional amendment passing.

The second method starts with the states, and was likely included to give states a check on overreaching federal power. The legislatures of the states apply to Congress for a convention to propose amendments to the constitution. If 2/3 of the states make such applications, congress must call the convention. Once such a convention is called, and amendments are proposed, the amendment(s) must be ratified by the legislatures of 3/4 of the states. This method has never actually been used to amend the constitution, but Congress has proposed amendments in response to threats by states to call a convention, likely to retain some control over the amendment process.

Congress can also stipulate that ratification be made by state conventions, rather than legislatures. The only time this has occurred is the 21st Amendment (repealing the 18th Amendment, which was Prohibition). This method was used to circumvent grass roots opposition to the repeal (the primary impetus for Prohibition in the first place). State legislatures retained the ability to restrict alcohol sale within their borders.
Come on. You are giving what is obviously a multiple-choice question without the choices.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

What else can I help you with?