Learn how the Constitution changes — and why it is so difficult to amend.
Article V creates a high bar for constitutional change. The process requires agreement across Congress and the states, which is why only 27 amendments have been ratified even though thousands have been proposed.
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
How the Constitution is amended
The Constitution can change, but only when support is broad and durable. Every successful amendment so far has been proposed by Congress and ratified by the states.
Proposal begins
An amendment starts as a joint resolution in Congress or through a convention requested by the states.
Two-thirds approval
The House and Senate must each approve the proposal by a two-thirds vote. The President has no veto.
States decide
The proposal goes to state legislatures or state conventions, depending on the method Congress selects.
Three-fourths ratify
Thirty-eight states must approve before the amendment becomes part of the Constitution.
Two possible paths
Every successful amendment has used the congressional route, but Article V also allows states to call a convention. The second path has never been used, so many practical details remain unresolved.
Congress proposes
Two-thirds of the House and Senate approve a joint resolution, then three-fourths of states ratify it.
States call a convention
Two-thirds of state legislatures ask Congress to call a convention, which may propose amendments for state ratification.
Later amendments
The amendments after the Bill of Rights changed the country in major ways: ending slavery, defining citizenship, expanding voting rights, authorizing income tax, limiting presidential terms, and clarifying succession.
13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
Abolished slavery, established birthright citizenship and equal protection, and prohibited racial discrimination in voting.
Voting Amendments
Expanded voting access by sex, race, age, and the abolition of poll taxes in federal elections.
Terms and Succession
Limited presidents to two elected terms and clarified what happens when a president dies, resigns, or cannot serve.
“The Constitution is a guide which I never will abandon.”
Constitution glossary
Enumerated Powers
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution, especially Congress’s powers in Article I.
Supremacy Clause
The rule that valid federal law overrides conflicting state law.
Due Process
A guarantee that government must follow fair procedures before taking life, liberty, or property.
Judicial Review
The power of courts to decide whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution.
How to use this page
Use Amendment Process without getting lost.
The amendment process page explains why changing the Constitution is intentionally harder than passing ordinary legislation.
Official starting points
Use these sources to check current text, records, deadlines, forms, votes, rules, or public notices.
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