Final answer:
The amendment process is set up to force Congress and the states to work together to propose and ratify changes to the U.S. Constitution. It requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or from state legislatures to propose, and a three-fourths majority of state legislatures to ratify an amendment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amendment process is designed to force Congress and the states to work together. This collaborative approach is essential to ensure a broad consensus before changes are made to the foundational legal document of the nation. The involvement of both state legislatures and Congress in proposing and ratifying amendments reinforces the federal system of governance and the principles of democracy.
To propose an amendment, two-thirds of both the House and the Senate, or two-thirds of state legislatures, must agree. Following this, to ratify an amendment, at least three-fourths of the state legislatures must concur. This process encourages a thorough public debate and a significant level of agreement before the Constitution is altered. It is a clear example of federalism in action, where national and state authorities must collaborate.
This system protects the Constitution from frequent or hasty alterations and provides a stable legal framework for governing.