Who can propose amendments to the Constitution?

Who can propose amendments to the Constitution?

• A. Only the President
• B. Congress or a constitutional convention called by the states
• C. The Supreme Court
• D. Any citizen of the United States

Answer: (B)

Proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution can occur in two primary ways: through Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by the states. This dual method is outlined in Article V of the Constitution. When Congress proposes an amendment, it must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Alternatively, if two-thirds of state legislatures request it, a constitutional convention can be convened to propose amendments. This provision exists to ensure that both the federal and state governments have a role in the amendment process, reflecting a balance of power. While other entities, such as the President or the Supreme Court, play significant roles in the governance of the country, they do not have the authority to initiate constitutional amendments. The involvement of citizens as individual proposers is also not part of the official amendment process. Thus, the correct answer captures the formal procedure established in the Constitution for proposing amendments.

Proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution can occur in two primary ways: through Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by the states. This dual method is outlined in Article V of the Constitution.

When Congress proposes an amendment, it must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Alternatively, if two-thirds of state legislatures request it, a constitutional convention can be convened to propose amendments. This provision exists to ensure that both the federal and state governments have a role in the amendment process, reflecting a balance of power.

While other entities, such as the President or the Supreme Court, play significant roles in the governance of the country, they do not have the authority to initiate constitutional amendments. The involvement of citizens as individual proposers is also not part of the official amendment process. Thus, the correct answer captures the formal procedure established in the Constitution for proposing amendments.