Which of the following is true about the formal amendment process for the constitution?
To determine which statement is true about the formal amendment process for the Constitution, we need to review the process itself. The formal amendment process is outlined in Article V of the United States Constitution. There are two primary methods through which amendments can be proposed and ratified:
1. Proposal Stage:
- Two-thirds (2/3) of both houses of Congress can propose an amendment.
- Alternatively, two-thirds (2/3) of state legislatures can call for a constitutional convention to propose amendments.
2. Ratification Stage:
- Amendments proposed by Congress require the approval of three-fourths (3/4) of state legislatures.
- Alternatively, amendments proposed by a constitutional convention require the approval of three-fourths (3/4) of state legislatures.
Now, let's analyze the statements provided to determine which is true:
A. An amendment can be proposed and ratified by a simple majority in both houses of Congress.
B. Two-thirds (2/3) of state legislatures can call for a constitutional convention to propose an amendment.
C. Only Congress has the power to propose amendments to the Constitution.
D. Ratification of an amendment requires the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of state legislatures.
Based on the information above, we can conclude that statement B is true. Two-thirds (2/3) of state legislatures can indeed call for a constitutional convention to propose an amendment. Statements A, C, and D are not accurate according to the formal amendment process outlined in the Constitution.