How is an amendment ratified?

• A. By a simple majority in Congress
• B. By approval of three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions
• C. By a presidential veto
• D. By a national referendum

Answer: (B)

An amendment to the Constitution is ratified by the approval of three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions, which highlights the role of states in the federal system. This process ensures that amendments receive broad support across the country, reflecting the will of a significant majority of the states. The Framers of the Constitution included this requirement to balance the interests of different states and to prevent hasty or ill-considered changes to the fundamental legal framework of the nation.

This method of ratification supports the idea of federalism by ensuring that both the federal government and the states have a say in the amendment process. It fosters a sense of cooperation and consensus across varied political landscapes, making it more challenging to amend the Constitution and thereby maintaining its stability and integrity over time.