Final answer:
The amendment process has two major phases: proposing by either Congress or state convention and ratifying by state legislatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amendment process for the U.S. Constitution involves two major phases: proposing an amendment and ratifying the amendment. Proposing an amendment can be done either by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by a convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Ratification occurs when three-fourths of the state legislatures approve the proposed amendment. Article V of the Constitution lays out this process and includes provisions intended to maintain a balance within the structure of government.