Who can propose amendments to the Constitution?

• A. The President only
• B. Congress or a constitutional convention
• C. The Supreme Court
• D. The states alone

Answer: (B)

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution can be proposed either by Congress or by a constitutional convention. This dual method is established in Article V of the Constitution, which details the processes for amending the document. Congress can initiate an amendment by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Alternatively, if two-thirds of state legislatures call for it, a constitutional convention can be convened to propose amendments.

The involvement of both Congress and a constitutional convention reflects the framers' intention to balance federal and state powers in the amendment process. Options that suggest only one body, such as the President, the Supreme Court, or just the states, overlook the collaborative approach required for proposing amendments. Therefore, recognizing that both Congress and a constitutional convention are authorized to propose amendments is essential for understanding constitutional change within the U.S. political system.