What is the procedure by which amendments are proposed?

The procedure for proposing amendments to the Constitution is established in Article V. It stipulates two main methods for proposing amendments: either by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress or by a national convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures. The requirement for a two-thirds majority ensures that any proposed amendment has significant support from both the legislative branch and, if a convention is called, from the states, reflecting a strong consensus for change. This makes the process of amending the Constitution deliberately difficult, thereby preserving the foundational principles of the government and ensuring that amendments are not made lightly.