What is required for a constitutional amendment to be ratified?

• A. A simple majority in Congress
• B. Approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures
• C. A unanimous vote by the Supreme Court
• D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress

Answer: (B)

For a constitutional amendment to be ratified, it must receive approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures. This process ensures that amendments reflect a broad consensus across the country, rather than just a simple majority decision made at the federal level. The requirement of three-fourths of the states being in agreement serves to protect the integrity of the Constitution by ensuring that significant changes have widespread support throughout the nation. This rigorous standard reflects the framers' intention for the Constitution to be amended only when there is substantial agreement among the states, which adds stability and permanence to the foundational legal document.