Final answer:
The amendment process of the U.S. Constitution involves proposal by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or a convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures or state-ratifying conventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Amendment Process in the U.S. Constitution
The process to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires a two-thirds vote from both houses of Congress. Alternatively, an amendment can be proposed by a convention called by Congress upon the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures. This latter method has not been used in the amendment process thus far.
For the ratification of an amendment, it requires approval from three-fourths of the state legislatures. In lieu of state legislature approval, three-fourths of specially called state-ratifying conventions can also ratify an amendment. This dual pathway ensures that both federal and state governments have a role in constitutional amendments.
To date, there have been twenty-seven amendments to the Constitution, demonstrating the careful consideration and significant consensus required to modify this fundamental document of American governance.