Explain the constitutional amendment process. List the two choices available for each step of the process.
Please format your answer as follows:
Step 1:
Option 1:
Option 2:
Step 2:
Option 1:
Option 2:
Step 1:
Option 1: Proposal by Congress
Option 2: Proposal by a national convention called by Congress upon request of two-thirds of state legislatures
Step 2:
Option 1: Ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures
Option 2: Ratification by three-fourths of state conventions called by Congress upon request of two-thirds of state legislatures
Step 1:
Option 1: Proposed by Congress - A constitutional amendment can be proposed by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Option 2: Proposed by States - A constitutional amendment can be proposed by two-thirds of the state legislatures calling for a constitutional convention.
Step 2:
Option 1: Ratified by State Legislatures - Once a constitutional amendment is proposed, it can be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures approving it.
Option 2: Ratified by State Conventions - Alternatively, a constitutional amendment can be ratified by three-fourths of the states holding special conventions to approve it.
Step 1:
Option 1: Proposal by Congress - A constitutional amendment can be proposed by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Option 2: Proposal by Convention - A constitutional amendment can be proposed by a national convention called by Congress when requested by two-thirds of state legislatures.
Step 2:
Option 1: Ratification by State Legislatures - The proposed amendment can be ratified by three-fourths (currently 38) of the state legislatures.
Option 2: Ratification by Conventions - The proposed amendment can be ratified by conventions in three-fourths (currently 38) of the states, specifically chosen for that purpose by the state legislatures.