By 1985, 32 States had petitioned Congress to call a convention to propose an amendment to require that the federal budget be balanced each year. How many more States are needed for that step to be taken?
2007-03-16 07:36:59 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Anyone can propose an amendment. I think what you mean to say is ratify the amendment. You need a two thirds majority of both houses of congress, and three quarters of the states legislatures to ratify a consitutionl amendment. There is also a time limit of seven years in which to accomplish this.
2007-03-16 07:45:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
None. Congress can propose an amendment without any states asking it to.
Article V: "The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments..."
So, 2/3 of the state legislatures can force Congress to call a convention to make proposed amendments, which are then subject to vote by the states. 2/3 of 50 is 34.
2007-03-16 14:48:02 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats 5th grade social studies. The answer is 3/4.
2007-03-16 14:52:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋