What is required for an amendment to the US Constitution to be proposed?

For an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to be proposed, it requires a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This high threshold was intentionally established by the framers of the Constitution to ensure that any proposed changes reflect a broad consensus among the representatives of the people, rather than being subject to the whims of a simple majority.

This requirement serves to protect the stability and continuity of the Constitution, allowing amendments only when there is significant agreement across the political spectrum. A two-thirds vote is indicative of substantial support, ensuring that amendments are carefully considered and widely endorsed before they are sent to the states for ratification.

In contrast, simply needing a majority vote in one House or unanimous consent from all states would either risk hasty amendments without sufficient scrutiny or place an unrealistic burden on the amendment process. Additionally, presidential approval is not necessary for the proposal phase; the role of the president comes into play during the ratification process, where they may influence public opinion but ultimately do not have a formal vote in the legislative process for amendments.