Explain the constitutional amendment process. List the two choices available for each step of the process.

Question

 
Please format your answer as follows:

 
Step 1:

Option 1:

Option 2:

 
Step 2: 

Option 1:

Option 2:

Answer 1

Step 1:

Option 1: Proposed by Congress - A constitutional amendment can be proposed by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Option 2: Proposed by States - A constitutional amendment can be proposed by two-thirds of the state legislatures calling for a constitutional convention.

Step 2:

Option 1: Ratified by State Legislatures - Once a constitutional amendment is proposed, it can be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures approving it.

Option 2: Ratified by State Conventions - Alternatively, a constitutional amendment can be ratified by three-fourths of the states holding special conventions to approve it.