U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
During a naturalization interview, an applicant is asked about the process by which the U.S. Constitution can be changed. What is one way to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
- ABy a majority vote of the President's Cabinet
- BBy a two-thirds vote of both the House of Representatives and the Senate
- CBy a declaration from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- DBy a simple majority vote in a national referendum
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. By a two-thirds vote of both the House of Representatives and the Senate
One of the two methods to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution is by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate). This initiates the amendment process, which then requires ratification by the states.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The President's Cabinet has no role in proposing constitutional amendments.
- C. The Chief Justice and the Supreme Court interpret laws but do not propose amendments.
- D. A national referendum is not a method for proposing amendments in the U.S. Constitution.
Constitutional Amendment Proposal
One method to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution is through a two-thirds vote of approval by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- Article V of the Constitution outlines amendment process.
- Requires supermajority in Congress.
- Second method is by a national convention (never used).
Memory trick: Congress needs 'Two Thirds' to start writing changes.