Which statement about amendments and state ratification is true?

• A. Amendments can be proposed by a simple majority in Congress and require only a majority of states to ratify.
• B. Amendments require approval by the President.
• C. Amendments must be proposed by two-thirds of Congress or by a national convention called by two-thirds of the states; ratified by three-fourths of the states.
• D. Amendments can be proposed and ratified by popular vote alone.

Answer: (C)

Amendments to the Constitution require a deliberate, two-step process that ensures broad, nationwide support. First, an amendment must be proposed by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress, or by a national convention called for by two-thirds of the states. Then, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the states, either through their legislatures or through state conventions. The President has no formal role in approving amendments, and amendments aren’t decided by a simple nationwide popular vote. This combination of high thresholds across both proposals and ratifications is what makes the described pathway the true one.