U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentHard
A civics test applicant is asked about the process by which the U.S. Constitution can be changed. What is required for a proposed amendment to be ratified and become part of the Constitution?
- AA simple majority vote in both the House and the Senate.
- BApproval by the President and a majority of the Supreme Court.
- CRatification by three-fourths of the state legislatures.
- DA national referendum approved by a simple majority of voters.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures.
Article V of the U.S. Constitution outlines the amendment process. While amendments can be proposed by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress (or by a national convention), they must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures (or by three-fourths of state conventions) to become part of the Constitution.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is typically how a regular bill passes Congress, not a constitutional amendment.
- B. The President and Supreme Court do not have a direct role in ratifying amendments.
- D. The U.S. Constitution does not provide for national referendums to amend the Constitution.
Constitutional Amendment Ratification
For a proposed amendment to become part of the U.S. Constitution, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by three-fourths of state conventions.
- Outlined in Article V of the Constitution.
- Requires 3/4 of state legislatures.
- Ensures broad state support for changes.
Memory trick: Ratification: 'Three-fourths of states must agree, for the Constitution to be free!'