Final answer:
State constitutions can be amended through constitutional conventions, legislative actions with voter or executive approval, and referendums. The U.S. Constitution was ratified by special state conventions and can be amended by a congressional supermajority and state ratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
To amend state constitutions, three common methods include constitutional conventions, legislative action with voter approval, and a referendum. Option B, by a majority or three-fourths of the legislature with approval by a majority of voters, and Option E, by a majority vote in the legislature and approval by the governor, both represent legislative actions that are followed by some form of voter or executive approval. Option A, by constitutional conventions, is a more direct form of considering and enacting constitutional changes. Option C, by referendum, involves a direct vote by the electorate to approve or reject proposed changes or legislation. The U.S. Supreme Court does not have the power to amend state constitutions, eliminating option D. Additionally, when term limits have been overturned, the most common method has been through a decision by the state Supreme Court.
The U.S. Constitution was ratified in a distinct manner compared to state constitutions. It was ratified by each state at special ratifying conventions, not by the Constitutional Convention itself, Confederation Convention, or popular referendum. When proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution, both houses of the U.S. Congress must approve a joint resolution by a two-thirds supermajority vote. To become law, an amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the states' legislatures.