Final answer:
To ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, three-fourths, or 38 states, must agree for it to become law. This supermajority ensures a broad consensus among states before an amendment is adopted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding the number of states required to ratify an amendment before it becomes law pertains to the process outlined in the United States Constitution. For an amendment to be ratified, it does not require all states' approval, nor does it require a simple majority. According to the Constitution, a specific majority is needed for an amendment to be adopted.
The correct answer to the question is B. three-fourths of the states must ratify an amendment before it becomes part of the Constitution. This means that out of the 50 states, 38 states must agree to the amendment for it to become law. This process ensures that a supermajority of states supports the change, reflecting a broad consensus across the country.