What is the minimum majority needed in both houses of Congress to amend the Constitution?

• A. Simple majority
• B. Two-fifths majority
• C. Two-thirds majority
• D. Three-fourths majority

Answer: (C)

To amend the Constitution, a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress is required. This threshold ensures that there is significant bipartisan support for any proposed amendments, reflecting a strong consensus among representatives of the people.

The framers of the Constitution established this higher standard as a way to protect the foundational charter of the nation from frequent or impulsive changes, promoting stability and continuity in governance. It underscores the importance of deliberate consideration and broad agreement on alterations to the nation's most fundamental legal document.

While a simple majority might reflect the views of a simple majority of Congress, it does not guarantee the necessary level of agreement to amend such a vital document. A two-fifths majority does not meet the constitutional requirements for amendments, and a three-fourths majority pertains to the ratification process by the states, not Congress, making it irrelevant to this particular question.