How to Amend the Constitution

One Way (used MOST)

Two-thirds (2/3) of both houses of Congress vote to propose an amendment

THEN

Three-fourths (3/4) of the state legislatures approve it

Second Way (used once)

Two-thirds (2/3) of both houses of Congress vote to propose an amendment

THEN

Ratifying conventions in three-fourths (3/4) of the states approve it. This method has been used only once -- to ratify the 21st Amendment -- repealing Prohibition.

Third Way (never used)

Two-thirds of the state legislatures ask Congress to call a national convention to propose amendments. (This method has never been used.)

Three-fourths of the state legislatures approve it

Fourth Way (never used)

Two-thirds (2/3) of the state legislatures ask Congress to call a national convention to propose amendments. (This method has never been used.)

Ratifying conventions in three-fourths (3/4) of the states approve it.

Informally: Can be changed by:

Circumstances change

Informally: Can be changed by:

Judiciary