What requirement is necessary for a proposed amendment to pass in Congress?

• A. A simple majority
• B. A two-thirds vote
• C. A unanimous agreement
• D. A majority of the states

Answer: (B)

For a proposed amendment to pass in Congress, a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is required. This requirement underscores the importance of broad consensus among legislators when altering the foundational document of the nation. By setting such a high threshold for approval, the framers of the Constitution aimed to ensure that only amendments with substantial support from both chambers could be adopted, reflecting a significant shift in the nation’s legal framework.

This rigorous process helps maintain stability and integrity within the Constitution by preventing frequent or capricious changes based on fleeting political pressures. Such scrutiny ensures that any amendment that moves forward has undergone thorough review and debate, garnering wide-ranging support across a diverse set of representatives.