Changing an amendment to the United States Constitution is a deliberate and rigorous process that ensures broad consensus before any alteration to the nation's foundational document. This process involves two main stages: proposal and ratification.
Proposing an Amendment
An amendment to the U.S. Constitution must first be formally proposed. There are two distinct methods by which an amendment can be put forward for consideration:
- Congressional Proposal: The most common method involves a two-thirds vote of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This requires significant bipartisan agreement within the legislative branch.
- Convention of States: Alternatively, an amendment can be proposed by a national convention. This convention is called for the specific purpose of proposing amendments if two-thirds of the States request one. This method has never been used to propose an amendment.
Ratifying an Amendment
Once an amendment has been successfully proposed, it must then be ratified, meaning formally approved, by the States. There are also two methods for ratification, and Congress determines which method will be used for each proposed amendment:
- State Legislatures: The most frequently used method requires three-fourths of the State legislatures to vote in favor of the amendment. This means a majority vote in both chambers of a state's legislative body.
- State Conventions: The second method involves ratification by three-fourths of conventions called in each State for ratification. This approach allows for direct voter participation in electing delegates to a convention that specifically addresses the proposed amendment. This method has only been used once, for the 21st Amendment.
Overview of the Amendment Process
The journey of an amendment from concept to adoption is designed to be challenging, ensuring that any changes to the nation's governing principles reflect a widespread consensus. The table below summarizes the pathways for changing an amendment:
| Stage | Method 1: Congressional Path | Method 2: State-Initiated Path |
|---|---|---|
| Proposal | Two-thirds vote in both Houses of Congress | Convention called if two-thirds of States request it |
| Ratification | Approval by three-fourths of State legislatures | Approval by three-fourths of State conventions |
For more detailed information on the structure and principles of the U.S. government, you can refer to official sources like The White House's section on The Constitution.
