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A constitutional amendment is a change to the U.S. Constitution. The Framers created the amendment process because they knew the Constitution would need to change over time. But they disagreed about who should be able to change it. Some Framers wanted only the states to make amendments, so the federal government wouldn't give itself too much power. Other Framers wanted the federal government to make amendments, because it would have a better understanding of what changes were needed.

So, the Framers developed a process that involved both the states and the federal government. Read an adapted selection from Article V of the Constitution describing this process. Then follow the instructions below.

The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both chambers shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, when requested by the legislatures of two-thirds of the states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments. In either case, amendments shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states, or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

ratified

approved

Decide whether each action can be done by Congress, the states, or both.

	Congress	States
can take the first step to propose new amendments
can ratify amendments, allowing them to go into effect

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C.1Introduction to the Constitution

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