Question

Explain the constitutional amendment process. List the two choices available for each step of the process. Step 1: Option 1: [Explain] Option 2: [Explain] Step 2: Option 1: [Explain] Option 2: [Explain]

Answer 1

The U.S. Constitution can be amended through a two-step process, involving proposal and ratification. Amendments are typically proposed by a two-thirds Congressional vote or by a convention called by two-thirds of the states, and ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures or state conventions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Constitutional Amendment Process

The process of amending the Constitution is a formal method that follows specific steps outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It begins with the proposal stage and is followed by the ratification stage. To date, the Constitution has been amended twenty-seven times.

Step 1 - Proposing an Amendment

Option 1: Congressional Proposal - An amendment can be proposed by a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This has been the most common method for proposing amendments.

Option 2: State-Initiated Convention - In this less common approach, two-thirds of the states can call for a convention to discuss and propose an amendment.

Step 2 - Ratifying an Amendment

Option 1: State Legislatures - To ratify an amendment, three-fourths of the state legislatures must agree to adopt it. This method has been used for almost all of the amendments to date.

Option 2: State Conventions - Alternatively, three-fourths of state-ratifying conventions can agree to ratify the amendment. This process has been used only once, to repeal Prohibition with the 21st Amendment.