U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentHard
An immigrant is studying the process for amending the U.S. Constitution. After an amendment is formally proposed, what is the next step in the amendment process?
- AIt is immediately added to the Constitution.
- BThe Supreme Court reviews its constitutionality.
- CIt must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures.
- DThe President signs the amendment into law.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures.
Article V of the U.S. Constitution outlines the amendment process. After an amendment is proposed by either a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a national convention, it must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by three-fourths of state conventions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An amendment is not immediately added; it requires ratification.
- B. The Supreme Court does not review proposed amendments for constitutionality as part of the amendment process.
- D. The President has no official role in the constitutional amendment process.
Constitutional Amendment Ratification
The process by which a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution is formally approved and becomes part of the Constitution.
- Requires approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures or state conventions.
- This is the second major step after proposal.
- Article V of the Constitution details this process.
Memory trick: Propose, Ratify, Amend!