What is required for 3/4 of the states to ratify a proposed amendment?

The requirement for 3/4 of the states to ratify a proposed amendment is rooted in the constitutional process established by Article V of the U.S. Constitution. A proposed amendment must first receive a 2/3 vote in Congress, which can occur either in the House of Representatives or the Senate. This threshold ensures that there is significant support for the amendment at the federal level, reflecting a broad consensus among the elected representatives of the people. Once this initial step is met, the proposed amendment is then sent to the states for ratification.

To achieve ratification, 3/4 of the state legislatures must approve the amendment. This means that, while 2/3 at the federal level indicates substantial agreement, the requirement for 3/4 of the states ensures broad national support, reflecting a majority consensus among the states themselves. It strengthens the amendment process by necessitating not just approval from Congress but also a wide endorsement from the states, thereby serving to protect against hasty changes to the Constitution.