What is required to ratify an amendment?

• A. Three-fourths of the states (or state ratifying conventions)
• B. A simple majority in Congress
• C. A national referendum
• D. Approval by the Supreme Court

Answer: (A)

To change the Constitution through an amendment, broad approval from the states is required. After an amendment is proposed, three-fourths of the states must ratify it to make it a part of the Constitution. This can happen either through state legislatures or through state ratifying conventions. The other options don’t fit: a simple majority in Congress helps propose amendments but does not ratify them, there is no nationwide referendum for constitutional amendments, and the Supreme Court does not have a role in ratifying amendments. Once enough states ratify, the amendment becomes law.