Final answer:
State legislators were key in the ratification of amendments by either establishing ratification conventions elected by popular vote or by passing legislative measures that were then presented to voters. They helped navigate the complexities of federal and state powers, ensuring a balance that respected state sovereignty while also shaping the federal government's expansion and structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
State legislators played a critical role in the process of getting constitutional amendments ratified. For the United States Constitution, rather than submitting to state legislatures which may have been reluctant to surrender their powers, the framers opted for special ratification conventions. These conventions were composed of delegates elected by popular vote whose sole purpose was to consider and decide on the ratification. During the ratification of the Constitution, many Antifederalists were opposed to the new system and did not vote for delegates. Consequently, the elected delegates to these conventions were, as expected, largely Federalist, favoring a stronger central government.
For instance, to persuade members and the public regarding the 17th Amendment, which allowed for the direct election of senators, proponents had to convince state legislators and citizens alike of its benefits, leading to its eventual passage by Congress and ratification. In another example, although not typical, state legislators initiated a referendum to limit the governor’s veto power in Wisconsin, which was then passed on to the voters to ultimately decide in the 2008 election. Moreover, for amendments like the 27th, which took an unprecedented 223 years to be ratified, the role of state legislators was to initiate and perpetuate conversations that culminated in its final ratification.
The ratification process solidified states' powers to have a voice in the Constitution, despite the document granting more centralized federal authority. States maintained the authority to ratify constitutional amendments, reflecting the framers' continued respect for the role of states. Historically, most amendments have been ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or through special ratifying conventions, as in the case of the 21st Amendment.