What is the process of amending the Constitution?

The correct answer outlines the established constitutional procedure for amending the U.S. Constitution, which is articulated in Article V. This process includes two steps: the proposal of an amendment and its subsequent ratification.

To propose an amendment, there are two avenues: either a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or a national constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. However, the most common method employed is the two-thirds majority in Congress.

After an amendment is proposed, it must then be ratified. Ratification requires the approval of three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions in three-fourths of the states. This dual requirement ensures that both federal and state levels of government are in agreement, thus reflecting a broad consensus across the nation regarding any change to the Constitution.

The other choices listed do not accurately represent the amendment process established by the Constitution. A simple majority in both houses lacks the level of consensus needed to alter foundational legal principles. Approval by the Supreme Court is not part of the amendment process, as the Court interprets the Constitution rather than amends it. Lastly, involving a national referendum is not a step included in the amendment process, as amendments are ratified by state legislatures or conventions