What is required for an amendment to be ratified?

For an amendment to be ratified, it must receive a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress, which is a significant requirement that ensures broad support for any change to the Constitution. Following this, the proposed amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths (or 38 out of 50) of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states. This dual requirement of congressional approval followed by state approval is designed to ensure that amendments have widespread agreement across both federal and state levels, reflecting the federal nature of the United States government.

The other options do not align with the established processes outlined in Article V of the Constitution. A simple majority in Congress would not suffice for ratification, and approval by the President is not required for constitutional amendments. Furthermore, while public voting might seem democratic, it is not a part of the formal process for amending the Constitution. Thus, the requirement of a two-thirds majority in Congress followed by state approval is crucial for maintaining a balanced and representative approach to altering the nation's foundational legal document.