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Question
The United States has a rigid constitution. In the light of this statement, explain how the Constitution of the United States can be amended.
Solution
In the United States, the constitution is written, and the mechanism of amendment outlined in it makes it inflexible. It mentions two modes of amendment.
- The bill of amendment must be voted on by both Houses of Congress with a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, and then ratified by the Congress of each state with the same majority. It will be considered finally passed after it has been ratified by the legislatures of at least 3/4 of the United States.
- If at least 2/3 of the states seek to do so, Congress may convene a constitutional convention for this purpose. A 2/3 majority of the members who are present and voting at this convention must approve the measure or proposal. Then it will be referred to state conventions. At each state convention, a 2/3 majority of the members present and voting must approve it. Once the conventions of at least 3/4 of the states have ratified it, it will be considered to have finally passed.
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