What is the process for ratifying an amendment?

The ratification process for an amendment to the Constitution is outlined in Article V of the Constitution. It requires that an amendment is first proposed by either a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or by a convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. After the proposal stage, the amendment must then be ratified.

For the ratification, the necessary threshold is the approval of three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions held in three-fourths of the states. This means that the requirement of two-thirds approval in Congress, followed by three-fourths approval from the states, ensures that any amendment has substantial support from both the federal and state levels. This rigorous process reflects the founding fathers' intent to make constitutional amendments deliberate and difficult to achieve, thus preserving the integrity and stability of the Constitution.

The other options suggest processes that do not align with the actual constitutional requirements. Ratification cannot be achieved by a simple majority in Congress, nor can it be approved solely by the President or through a national referendum, as these methods are not stipulated in the Constitution.