Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

Which of the following describes one of the methods to amend the Constitution?

1. Three-fourths of all state governors sign a petition proposing an amendment

2. The president puts in a request to Congress outlining the proposed amendment

3. Two-thirds of both congressional houses vote in favor of proposing an amendment

4. A simple majority vote from citizens will start the amendment process

The correct answer is: Two-thirds of both congressional houses vote in favor of proposing an amendment

The method described in the correct answer involves a two-thirds vote from both houses of Congress, which is one of the established procedures for proposing an amendment to the Constitution. This process is outlined in Article V of the Constitution, which specifies that an amendment can be proposed either by a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. This method is significant because it reflects the Framers' intent to ensure that any changes to the Constitution carry substantial support from the federal legislature, which represents the states and the people at a national level. It establishes a balance between making the amendment process accessible while also requiring broad consensus to ensure that amendments are carefully considered and widely accepted. The other options do not align with the constitutional process for amending the Constitution. For instance, a petition signed by state governors or a request by the president does not constitute a recognized method for initiating an amendment, and a simple majority among citizens does not hold any constitutional weight in this process.