Which of the following statements about the amendment process is true it needs a unanimous consent from the states. It is a decision made by a majority of senators. It is necessary to call for a new constitutional convention, both the national government and the states are involved.
The statement "It is necessary to call for a new constitutional convention, both the national government and the states are involved" is true.
The statement that is true is: "It is necessary to call for a new constitutional convention, both the national government and the states are involved."
The amendment process outlined in the United States Constitution requires a proposal by either two-thirds of both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. After the proposal stage, the amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states, depending on the method chosen by Congress. Therefore, both the national government and the states are involved in the amendment process.
To determine which statement about the amendment process is true, we need to understand how amendments are made to the Constitution.
The process of amending the United States Constitution is outlined in Article V of the Constitution. It lays out two methods by which amendments can be proposed and ratified.
1. Proposal Method: Amendments can be proposed by either a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures.
2. Ratification Method: Amendments can be ratified by three-fourths (or 38) of the state legislatures or by special state ratifying conventions held in three-fourths (or 38) of the states. The exact method of ratification is determined by Congress when proposing the amendment.
Based on this process, let's evaluate the statements:
1. "It needs unanimous consent from the states" - This statement is not true. Amendments can be proposed by two-thirds of Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures. Additionally, amendments can be ratified either by three-fourths of state legislatures or by special state ratifying conventions. Unanimous consent is not required at any stage of the amendment process.
2. "It is a decision made by a majority of senators" - This statement is also not entirely true. While amendments can be proposed by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it requires a broader consensus as the support of two-thirds of each chamber is necessary.
3. "It is necessary to call for a new constitutional convention. Both the national government and the states are involved." - This statement is partially correct. To propose amendments, a constitutional convention can be called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. However, this method has never been used in the history of the United States. Generally, amendments are proposed and ratified through the first method mentioned, involving the national government (Congress) and the state legislatures.
Therefore, the most accurate statement among the options provided would be: "It is necessary to call for a new constitutional convention. Both the national government and the states are involved."