What is the process for amending the US Constitution?
Amending the United States Constitution is a lengthy process that begins when a proposed amendment is introduced in Congress. Amendments can originate in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. In either case, the amendment must pass through a rigorous review process that includes being introduced to the floor of either the House or Senate, passing a majority vote and being sent to the other chamber of Congress for an additional vote. After the proposed amendment passes both chambers of Congress, it must be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures or ratifying conventions in three-fourths of the states. Fortunately for those proposing constitutional amendments, this process can be simplified when two-thirds of both chambers of Congress agree to the amendment. Two-thirds of Congress can present the amendment to the states for a ratification vote, eliminating the need for an additional majority vote. Amendments that pass the two-thirds vote in Congress and are ratified by three-fourths of the states become part of the US Constitution. However, if a proposal does not pass both chambers of Congress, the amendment process ends. In New Hampshire, the process for amending the US Constitution is the same as the federal process.
Related FAQs
What is the scope of the freedom of contract clause of the US Constitution?What is the impact of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?
What is the impact of the interstate migration clause?
What is the scope of the freedom of press clause of the US Constitution?
What are the components of the Fourth Amendment?
How has the Supreme Court interpreted the First Amendment's establishment clause?
What is the scope of the religious clauses of the First Amendment?
What is the scope of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?
How does the Supreme Court interpret the US Constitution?
What is the basic structure of the US Constitution?
Related Blog Posts
The Implications of the Constitution on Your Rights: An Examination of Constitutional Law - July 31, 2023Understanding the U.S. Constitution: Key Provisions Explained - August 7, 2023
The Basics of Constitutional Law: An Overview - August 14, 2023
The Intersection of Laws and the Constitution: What You Need to Know - August 21, 2023
The Importance of Constitutional Law: Exploring Its Significance - August 28, 2023