What is required for an amendment to be ratified?

• A. Approval by a simple majority of Congress
• B. Approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures
• C. Approval by a majority of popular votes
• D. Approval by the president

Answer: (B)

For an amendment to be ratified, it is required to receive approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures. This process is outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which specifies that after an amendment has been proposed—either by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures—it must be ratified by either three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

This high threshold of three-fourths ensures that any amendment has widespread support across the nation, reflecting a consensus that transcends individual states. It serves as a safeguard against hasty changes to the Constitution, requiring a significant level of agreement among the states to alter the foundational legal framework of the country.

The other options do not accurately represent the ratification process as stipulated by the Constitution, highlighting the importance of achieving this broad consent among the states.