How can an amendment to the Constitution be proposed?

An amendment to the Constitution can be proposed either by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures. This dual method of proposal reflects the framers' intent to ensure that amendments have broad support across both the federal legislative body and the states, allowing for a more democratic and representative process.

The requirement for a two-thirds majority in Congress ensures that any proposed amendments are not merely the result of transient political majorities but have substantial backing from elected representatives. Additionally, the option for a constitutional convention called by the states serves as a check on Congress itself, allowing states to initiate the amendment process if they deem it necessary.

The other methods listed, such as a simple majority vote in Congress or a national referendum, are not recognized pathways for proposing amendments, as they do not provide the same level of consensus necessary for such significant changes to the Constitution. Furthermore, the Supreme Court does not have the authority to propose amendments; rather, it interprets the Constitution, which is a separate function of the government.