How many states must approve an amendment for it to be ratified?

• A. 50%
• B. 66%
• C. 75%
• D. 100%

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is based on the ratification process outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which specifies that an amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the states. This equates to 75% of the states in order for the amendment to become law.

Given that there are currently 50 states, three-fourths would require the approval of at least 38 states. This high threshold reflects the founding framers' intention to ensure that only amendments with broad support across diverse regions and populations would be adopted, thereby maintaining the stability and integrity of the Constitution.

The other percentages do not meet the constitutional requirement; for example, 50% would allow amendments to be passed with only half of the states, which would not ensure sufficient consensus. Similarly, 66% (or two-thirds) does not meet the necessary three-fourths margin, and 100% would be impractical as it would require unanimous consent from all states for any amendment to be ratified.