Congress must call a convention for proposing amendments upon application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the states (i.e., 34 of 50 states). Amendments proposed by Congress or convention become valid only when ratified by the legislatures of, or conventions in, three-fourths of the states (i.e., 38 of 50 states).

What are the two ways a constitutional amendment can be ratified?

Amendments may be proposed either by the Congress, through a joint resolution passed by a two-thirds vote, or by a convention called by Congress in response to applications from two-thirds of the state legislatures.

What are the four ways an amendment can be ratified?

MethodStep 11.A two-thirds vote in both houses of the U.S. Congress2.A two-thirds vote in both houses of U.S. Congress3.A national constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures4.A national convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures