Question

a proposed constitutional amendment may be ratified by
a. three - fourths of the state legislatures.
b. two - thirds of the state legislatures.
c. three - fourths of both houses of congress.
d. two - thirds of the state conventions.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we recall the process of ratifying a constitutional amendment in the US. A proposed amendment can be ratified by three - fourths of the state legislatures (or three - fourths of state ratifying conventions). Option B is incorrect as the required fraction for state legislatures' ratification is three - fourths, not two - thirds. Option C is incorrect because three - fourths of both houses of Congress is not the ratification process (two - thirds of both houses propose an amendment). Option D is incorrect as the fraction for state conventions (if used) is three - fourths, not two - thirds.

Answer:

A. three - fourths of the state legislatures.