It is the Legislative Branch. The first method is for a bill to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments, such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the bill to be approved as an amendment (for example, see the 21st and 22nd). The second method prescribed is for a Constitutional Convention to be called by two-thirds of the legislatures of the States, and for that Convention to propose one or more amendments. These amendments are then sent to the states to be approved by three-fourths of the legislatures or conventions. This route has never been taken, and there is discussion in political science circles about just how such a convention would be convened, and what kind of changes it would bring about. Regardless of which of the two proposal routes is taken, the amendment must be ratified, or approved, by three-fourths of states. There are two ways to do this, too. The text of the amendment may specify whether the bill must be passed by the state legislatures or by a state convention. See the Ratification Convention Page for a discussion of the make up of a convention. Amendments are sent to the legislatures of the states by default. Only one amendment, the 21st, specified a convention. In any case, passage by the legislature or convention is by simple majority. The Constitution, then, spells out four paths for an amendment: * Proposal by convention of states, ratification by state conventions (never used) * Proposal by convention of states, ratification by state legislatures (never used) * Proposal by Congress, ratification by state conventions (used once) * Proposal by Congress, ratification by state legislatures (used all other times)
It is the Legislative Branch. The first method is for a bill to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments, such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the bill to be approved as an amendment (for example, see the 21st and 22nd). The second method prescribed is for a Constitutional Convention to be called by two-thirds of the legislatures of the States, and for that Convention to propose one or more amendments. These amendments are then sent to the states to be approved by three-fourths of the legislatures or conventions. This route has never been taken, and there is discussion in political science circles about just how such a convention would be convened, and what kind of changes it would bring about. Regardless of which of the two proposal routes is taken, the amendment must be ratified, or approved, by three-fourths of states. There are two ways to do this, too. The text of the amendment may specify whether the bill must be passed by the state legislatures or by a state convention. See the Ratification Convention Page for a discussion of the make up of a convention. Amendments are sent to the legislatures of the states by default. Only one amendment, the 21st, specified a convention. In any case, passage by the legislature or convention is by simple majority. The Constitution, then, spells out four paths for an amendment:
I believe it is the Executive Branch!
Federalism
informal amendment process
Informal Amendment process A+Karla aboytes :)
Article Four of the Constitution outlines the relationship between each state and the others, as well as between the several States and the federal government.
It is the FORMAL AMENDMENT PROCESS for A+ :)
the 5th amendment
the 14th Amendment, which "nationalized" due process by applying it to the States as well as to the federal government.
The Fifth Amendment covers due process from the federal government; the Fourteenth Amendment addresses due process in state procedures.
Federalism
The concept you are asking about is called "due process". It is guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process when dealing with the federal government, while the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees it when dealing with State governments.
The formal amendment process emphasizes the federal character of the governmental system. Proposal takes place at the national level, and ratification is a state-by-state matter. Also, when the constitution is amended, that action represents the expression of the people's sovereign will.
informal amendment process
A proposed amendment is at the federal level and ratifications is at state level.
The fifth amendment protected people from the federal government. Due process rights were enforced to the states upon the approval of the 14th amendment.
A proposed amendment is at the federal level and ratifications is at state level.
Informal Amendment process A+Karla aboytes :)
The Fourteenth Amendment gave state governments the same restrictions as the federal government.