The Constitution can be amended in two ways. The first way is through a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, after which the proposed amendment is sent to the states for ratification. This process requires a substantial consensus among federal lawmakers, reflecting the serious nature of altering the nation’s foundational document. If three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions approve the amendment, it becomes part of the Constitution. For instance, the 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18, was proposed in 1971 after a broad recognition that those who could be drafted for military service should also have the right to vote.
The second way is through a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures, where states can propose amendments. This method has never been used, but it exists as a potential pathway for amendments to be introduced when Congress is unresponsive to public demand. For example, if there were widespread concern over the influence of money in politics, states could convene a convention to propose amendments aimed at campaign finance reform, potentially leading to significant alterations in how elections are funded and structured.
An example of why the Constitution would need to be amended is in response to societal changes that highlight inconsistencies with fundamental rights. For instance, the original Constitution did not address the issue of women's suffrage, leading to significant social movements advocating for women's rights. The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 to grant women the right to vote, reflecting an important shift in social values and the recognition of equality. This example illustrates how the Constitution must adapt to evolving understandings of civil rights and liberties to ensure that it remains a living document that reflects the needs and rights of all citizens.